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Jan. 6, 2012 - The Royal New Zealand Air Force has taken delivery of the first two NH Industries NH90 TTH helicopters. The aircraft were flown to the Ohakea air base from Eurocopter's Marignane facility on board a chartered Antonov An-124 cargo aircraft.

The first two airframes were delivered earlier than had been expected, as maintenance work at Marseilles airport will prevent any heavy cargo flights being able to leave for the rest of the month.

Six more NH90s will be delivered during 2012. and will be used to replace the RNZAF’s ageing fleet of Bell UH-1 Iroquois helicopters. It is planned that NH90 flights will begin later this month.