AW149 vs NH90: how to tell them apart
Two military helicopters that are easy to mix up at a glance. Here is what tells them apart.
AW149
What gives it away
Medium twin-engine helicopter with a five-bladed rotor, a large cabin with big sliding doors and retractable wheels; a larger AW139.
Used by
Poland, Egypt, Thailand, United Kingdom (ordered) and others
NH90
What gives it away
Rounded, smooth composite fuselage with four-blade rotor, main wheels in short side sponsons and a rear ramp.
Used by
Germany, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Finland, Greece and others
Where they differ
| Detail | AW149 | NH90 |
|---|---|---|
| Main rotor blades | 5 blades | 4 blades |
What they share
These won’t tell them apart.
- 2 engines
- Single main rotor
- Wheels
- Side-by-side seats
- Open tail rotor
AW149 · NH90 · All guides