The Spanish Navy’s H135 “Nival” has completed its first phase of the Initial Naval Qualification Campaign. 

The first phase of entry into service was completed with the operational evaluation of the H135 “Nival1” of the Navy’s Twelfth Squadron, located at the Rota naval base (NAVSTA Rota). For several weeks, system tests were carried out, sensors were installed and take-offs and landings were performed on a Spanish Navy ship. These tests have made it possible to gather information on the behavior of the H135 on a “Maritime Action Ship (BAM)”, both during the day and at night. The commissioning phase is now continuing and is scheduled to be completed in the second half of this year.

 “The H135, thanks to its limited logistical footprint, simplicity of maintenance and a more than adequate operational envelope, has demonstrated its ability to operate on board a vessel with the characteristics of an ocean patrol vessel,” said Fernando Mostaza, test pilot at Airbus Helicopters Spain. “A helicopter with these qualities makes it a particularly useful and ideal tool for this type of vessel, covering a wide range of missions that require a large number of flight hours at a reduced cost.

The Navy took delivery of its first two H135s in the fourth quarter of 2023, making them the first Airbus helicopters in its fleet. In total, the Navy will eventually have seven units, which will join the Twelfth Aircraft Flotilla Squadron (FLOAN) over the next two years.