Formation flight of KLu NH90s
On 29 May 2024, eight NH90-NFH helicopters of the Koninklijke Luchtmacht (KLu, Royal Netherlands Air Force) departed from De Kooy air base at approximately 13:55 hrs LT for a formation flight.
The flight route took the helicopters along the coastline, with a small detour over Leiden to The Hague, then onto Woensdrecht, Gilze-Rijen, Utrecht, Amsterdam, and back to De Kooy.
According to the RNLAF, this flight is part of training for both the supporting and flying units. The goal is to ensure the helicopters are deployable at the highest level. Additionally, formation flying provides complex training for the crew. The helicopters visit locations that play an important role in supporting the NH90 and in cooperation with it.
In December 2023, the RNLAF announced that all nineteen NH90-NFH helicopters would receive a Mid-Life Update (MLU). This MLU programme will start in 2028 and will keep the helicopters operationally relevant for another fifteen years. Scramble Magazine first reported on this upgrade programme on 20 December 2023.
The helicopters are operated by 860 Squadron Arcens Affligo as part of the Defence Helicopter Command (DHC) at Den Helder/De Kooy. The NH90s that took part in the formation flight are: N-110, N-195, N-228, N-234, N-277, N-318, N-325 and N-327.
Credit photo: Remco Donselaar