Finnish Army Aviation is testing new camouflage schemes

Photos emerged at the Maavoimat (Finnish Army) website where new camouflage schemes for the MD500 and NH90-TTH helicopters are presented. The Finnish Army is studying the effect of new camouflage schemes on the visibility of helicopters in the Finnish terrain, during different periods of the year and in different weather conditions.

The NH90-TTH transport helicopters will have part of the fuselage painted in a white winter scheme. This scheme resembles best the Royal Air Force aircraft when they went to Norway for winter exercises. The H500D and MD500E helicopters will be painted in overall black matte colours

Next to the new camouflage scheme, the MD500 helicopters are in the process of a cockpit upgrade which increases their operational performance. With the addition of night vision devices, encrypted voice communication as well as the possibility to communicate with other helicopters and ground forces will give a new boost to these small helicopters that have entered service already back in 1999. Also the flight instruments will be replaced by an electronic multifunction display, which will facilitate the training of pilots in the future when switching to the NH90.

The main role of the NH90-TTH transport helicopters is the rapid transport of troops and material throughout the country, as well as other tactical tasks in all weather and lighting conditions. The MD500 light helicopters are used for training, passenger transport and various tactical tasks of the Defence Forces helicopter pilots. Both types also have a secondary task in support of other authorities in search missions.

 Photos: Maavoimat