Nederlandse Helikopter Industrie
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace, Helicopter manufacturing |
| Predecessor | Stichting voor de Ontwikkeling en Bouw van een Experimenteel Hefschroefvliegtuig (SOBEH) |
| Founded | 1955 |
| Defunct | 1961 |
| Headquarters | Netherlands |
| Products | Helicopters (H-3 Kolibrie) |
| Parent | Aviolanda and Kromhout (initially), later Aviolanda solely |
The Nederlandse Helikopter Industrie (NHI) was a helicopter manufacturing company based in the Netherlands.[1]
Origins
Established in 1955,[2] NHI emerged as the commercial successor to the Stichting voor de Ontwikkeling en Bouw van een Experimenteel Hefschroefvliegtuig (SOBEH), which translates to the Foundation for Development and Construction of an Experimental Helicopter. From 1951 onward, SOBEH developed two helicopter models: the H-1 in 1954 and the H-2 in 1955. Upon achieving its development objectives, SOBEH discontinued its operations. The responsibility for further advancements and mass production was transferred to NHI, a collaboration between aircraft manufacturer Aviolanda and truck producer Kromhout. NHI promptly introduced an enhanced model named the H-3 Kolibrie (meaning Hummingbird). This helicopter featured ramjet engines mounted at the rotor blade tips and completed its maiden flight in May 1956. The aircraft received its airworthiness certificate, aligned with U.S. rotorcraft standards, in March 1958.
Subsequent developments
Throughout its operational period, NHI faced challenges linked to difficulties encountered by its parent firms. In 1958, Kromhout halted truck manufacturing due to intense competition from DAF. Although it continued engine production for a time, Kromhout was eventually acquired by Stork B.V.. Consequently, Kromhout withdrew from the partnership in 1959. Thereafter, Aviolanda took over sole responsibility for continuing production of the H-3 model.
End of operations
Production ultimately ended in 1961 as a result of insufficient demand. Following this, Aviolanda proceeded to liquidate NHI. The company's closure was only one element contributing to Aviolanda’s difficulties; both Aviolanda and Fokker were experiencing challenging periods. Aviolanda's reliance on licensed manufacturing of foreign aircraft designs created instability within its business model. Meanwhile, Fokker was struggling with slow sales of the F.27 Friendship at that time.
