Army Aviation
The NH90 TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopters) is the main type of transport helicopters used, having replaced Soviet Mi-8s. The Army also uses Hughes 500 D and E helicopters in reconnaissance and training roles. The Finnish Army has 11 unmanned reconnaissance airplanes (RUAG Ranger), which are used for reconnaissance and artillery targeting purposes. The Finnish Army is also field testing Patria's new mini-UAV.
Due to the 3 year delivery delay of the NH90s, the Finnish Army had to refurbish two of its remaining Mil Mi-8s in Saint Petersburg, in order to increase their lifespan by 5 years. Another option, which was evaluated, but not exercised as an intermediate solution was the possible lease, and later purchase, of an unknown number of UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters from the United States.
| Aircraft | Type | Versions | In service | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NHI NH90 | Transport Helicopter | NH90 TTH | 15 | 20 to be delivered. |
| MD Helicopters MD 500 | Utility Helicopter | MD 500D MD 500E |
2 5 |
|
| RUAG Ranger | Unmanned Reconnaissance | 11 | ||
| Aeronautics Defense Orbiter | Unmanned Reconnaissance | 55 to be delivered |
Read more about this topic: Equipment Of The Finnish Army
Famous quotes containing the word army:
“To make an Army work you have to have every man in it fitted into a fear ladder.... The Army functions best when you’re frightened of the man above you, and contemptuous of your subordinates.”
—Norman Mailer (b. 1923)