NH-90

[yak2]

I seem to recall that the RAAF/Army wanted to give the Kiowa an aboriginal name when it went into service, but the bean counters decided that the cost of changing manuals etc. was prohibitive. In the interests of interoperability or whatever they call it, best to have a standard name to avoid confusion methinks. What's the NH 90 called in Europe?

[FlyNavy]

RAPT? Rotating Angry Palm Tree. How's that for positive innovation. ;D

[tbf25o4]

The most logical choice for a generic name for radio work and general reference would be
WAKA
1. The maori name for the war canoe that takes the warriors to battle (the primary role of the aircraft)
2. WAKA was the original tactical radio callsign for No.3 Squadron back in the 60s

[Dave Homewood]

3. Everyone who works/ed on them in the Air Force also calls/called in my day the Iroquois the 'Wocka Wocka' due to its sound. If the NH-90 makes the classic sound, Waka would fit well.

[corsair67]

Dave, although I can't actually see the RNZAF giving the NH-90s a formal name, I do think your idea of giving the RNZAF's NH-90s (or some of its other aircraft) individual names would be a nice touch and also a wonderful mark of respect for all the Kiwi pilots, crew and support personnel who have gone before.

The RAAF have christened each of the four FAC PC-9 after the four AFC/RAAF VC winners (Lt Frank H. McNamara, Flight Sergeant Rawdon. H. Middleton, Wing Commander Hughie I. Edwards and Flight Lieutenant William E. Newton), and I think it really adds something to the aircraft.

[phil]

At the moment they are just being called either NH90, or MUH. The A109 is being called just that, since T/LUH doesn't really roll off the tongue!

I expect they will stay 'NH90'.

[FlyNavy]

'Mu' (Moooo) is a famous Japanese Zen way of saying NOTHING! Good choice - NO? ;D

[Kenny]

My guess is the pilots and those that will work on it will simply refer to it as the 'Nintey', and eventualy that will spread as the nickname for it among all airforce personel

But i like Daves Vildebeest suggestion..

Imagine the display information at the open days: ;D

The NH90 VILDEBEEST (II)
Armament: 2X FN Herstal MAG 58 machine guns (7.62mm)

(At this point in time i grunt loudly as Tim From Home Improvement would)



As for the A109, Id call it the TUI, Manuvarble & Agressive ( Not that i see ours being armed)

But you know at the end of the day the media will kill it - " The "Airforce's Helicopters" took part in a combat exercise today"

[30sqnatc]

But you know at the end of the day the media will kill it - " The "Airforce's Helicopters" took part in a combat exercise today

I'm sure the media will go a stage further - 'Army Helicopters'

[Kenny]

Aug 22, 2008 19:11:27 GMT 12 30sqnatc said:

I'm sure the media will go a stage further - 'Army Helicopters'

OH... Dear God No!

[phil]

Aug 22, 2008 18:55:48 GMT 12 Kenny said:

My guess is the pilots and those that will work on it will simply refer to it as the 'Nintey', and eventualy that will spread as the nickname for it among all airforce personel

Already starting.

As for the A109, Id call it the TUI, Manuvarble & Agressive ( Not that i see ours being armed)

It will be, one MAG 58, and it will be a sniper platform for CT.

But you know at the end of the day the media will kill it - " The "Airforce's Helicopters" took part in a combat exercise today"

These days it's 'The Army did X, while Defence Force Helicopters did Y'.

Actually I think it will be the 'Air Forces new humtpy squillion dollar NH90s Helicopters that the previous Labour Govt purchased, that are having many teething troubles....'

Only because all new kit, especially aircraft, suffer teething troubles when introduced to service, but the media will make a big deal out of it anyway.

[sniff]

Does this mean the pilots will be "Joe 90's"?

[flyjoe180]

Nothing wrong with that name. I'm twice the man he is.

[nige]

The "Ninety" - sounds ok (so does "Waka" actually). Also since the Army Pinzgauers are nicknamed "Shreks" (kids animation/theme), maybe the Air Force could nickname the NH90's as "Joe 90's" (kids sci-fi/theme) or simply "Joeys"!

As for the earlier "MUH" reference, er, sounds like "MUHTT" or "MUTT"! (Hey - a pilots best friend, dependable, loyal - in no way meant to be derogatory - mind you the Army grunts hitching a lift in one would probably see it like that)!

Anyway, talking about "Joe 90", how about "NH90 - Thunderbird"!! Or for a touch of class "NH90 - Penelope" (or "Penny"). Then the A109's could be the "Parker"!!!

[FlyNavy]

Shirley, "Joe 360" would be an amazing character then - according to the logic above? And don't call it Surely. ;D

[30sqnatc]

Aug 22, 2008 20:51:24 GMT 12 @sniff said:

Does this mean the pilots will be "Joe 90's"?

Your definitely on to something Joint Operational Elocopter 90

[phil]

MUH - It's not pronounced as a word!

It's spelt out, ie EMM YOU AITCH.

[FlyNavy]

So what is MEH then? ;D

[flyjoe180]

My European Helicopter?

[FlyNavy]

Me EEEOOWWWW Heaadache?