ADF Helo Operating Costs
Year 2007 ADF helo operating costs per flying hour provided to ASPI by Defence were: Sea King-$23,616; Blackhawk-$20,659; Iroquois-$7,738 (due to reduced flying rate while being withdrawn from service); Kiowa-$2,865. A Hotel model Iroquois upgraded to Huey II costs about $5,000 per flying hour to operate.
Perhaps Minister for Defence Stephen Smith might now ask CDF why the Iroquois were shed when they could have been very cost-effectively upgraded to Huey II for around $2million or less per aircraft! Their track record in rescue work and aid to civil powers in Australia and offshore during 26 years of RAAF service was illustrious and they were often speedily deployed into remote areas by C-130. This invaluable capability has been foolishly forfeited by Australian defence planners.
Last edited by Bushranger 71; 12th Jan 2011 at 01:07.