PDA

View Full Version : MRH 90 TO REPLACE SEA KING AND BLACK HAWK HELICOPTERS


wessex19
19th Jun 2006, 10:07
The Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson,
Minister for Defence


Media Release

I am pleased to announce that Government has approved a $ 2 billion acquisition of thirty-four MRH 90 helicopters to replace Navy’s Sea King and Army’s Black Hawk helicopters.



The selection of the MRH 90 complements the Government’s decision in 2004 to acquire an initial twelve MRH 90 helicopters as Army’s additional troop lift helicopter. Delivery of the first twelve is scheduled from December 2007 through to December 2009.



The 34 additional MRH 90s will be assembled in Brisbane. When delivered, the MRH 90s will be based at RAAF base Townsville, Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney and HMAS Albatross in Nowra. A contingent will also be based at a joint training facility at Oakey in Queensland.



The new twin-engine troop lift helicopters will provide opportunities for joint fleet management. These benefits include greater operational flexibility and efficiency through common operational, training and logistic systems and a capability to rotate personnel, aircraft, spare parts and role-specific equipment between troop lift, special operations and maritime support commitments.



The MRH 90 is an extremely capable helicopter featuring a modern damage tolerant design, a large cabin volume with ramp and enhanced levels of marinisation.



The Sea Kings will be retired in 2010, followed by the Black Hawks which will be progressively replaced between 2011 and 2015.



As these MRH 90 aircraft will be assembled in Australia this acquisition of at least 34 aircraft will provide significant opportunities for Australian industry and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will gain an operating capability within a relatively short time-frame.



The emphasis of the Australian industry package, worth $1.2 billion, is on the development and sustainment of critical aircraft mission system capability. The long term viability of the Australian MRH 90 assembly line will be maximized, ensuring greater development of the skill base required to support the MRH 90 into the future through a strategy aimed at promoting Australian industry as part of the Eurocopter global supply chain.





Media contacts

Nigel Blunden
(Dr Nelson)
02 6277 7800
0407 632 931

Defence Media Liaison

02 6265 3343
0408 498 664

antipodean alligator
19th Jun 2006, 12:26
Before all of you Poms applaud our visionary defence procurement strategy again, lets look back on all of the projects that have signed up for the latest and greatest toy. How many have delivered any one of the 3 pillars (CAPABILITY, Schedule & Budget) within cooee of their proposed boundaries..........
Don't all answer at once!

NURSE
19th Jun 2006, 15:02
Speaking of Recent Helecopter procurments by the Aussies, Whats happening about Seasprite?

What will the Aussie Army be doing with its blackhawk fleet seen on another site discussions of them being converted to spacial ops?

And are the Aussies going to phase out seahawk as well?

wessex19
19th Jun 2006, 23:44
Regarding the Seasprite, my current birdie mate tells me the most recent problem is with the helo's airspeed system. Apparently Kaman are playing it down as a minor issue whereas the RAN have basically had enough!!!! Aparently it has just come down to fix it or take it...... Decision should be within the next few months

Captain Sand Dune
20th Jun 2006, 02:26
The Navy test pilots are basically refusing to fly it, so no-one else is very keen!

NURSE
20th Jun 2006, 07:35
Had seen that in Airforces monthly and read the press release on the Kaman site. I can see why the RAN has had enough.

theedmancometh
22nd Jun 2006, 10:24
We had a few Aussie pilots over a few weeks ago, oohing and arghing at some serviceable and fully functional NZ Sprites. Although, Kaman likes to give us a fair share of headaches too.

It would be a shame if they decide to scrap them.