Has the ADF selected a Seasprite replacement?
 

Australia - MH-60R Multi-Mission Helicopters

(Washington, July 9, 2010) -- The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress July 7 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Australia of 24 MH-60R SEAHAWK Multi-Mission Helicopters and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $2.1 billion.

The Government of Australia has requested a possible sale of 24 MH-60R SEAHAWK Multi-Mission Helicopters, 60 T-700 GE 401C Engines (48 installed and 12 spares), communication equipment, support equipment, spare and repair parts, tools and test equipment, technical data and publications, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services. The estimated cost is $2.1 billion.

Australia is one of our most important allies in the Western Pacific. The strategic location of this political and economic power contributes significantly to ensuring peace and economic stability in the region. Australia's efforts in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in Iraq and in Afghanistan have served U.S. national security interests. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives and facilitates burden sharing with our allies.

The proposed sale of the MH-60R SEAHAWK helicopters will improve Australia's anti-submarine and surface warfare capability and provide an improved search and rescue and anti-ship surveillance capability. Australia will also use the enhanced capability in future contingency operations encompassing humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and stability operations in the Asia-Pacific region. Australia will have no difficulty absorbing these additional helicopters into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Source : Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA)

What does this have to do with Seasprite? Nothing.

Try Seahawk replacement. NH90 v MH60R.

24 x MH-60R or NH 90 NFH will replace the 16 Seahawks AND the gap left by the 11 cancelled Seasprites!

Cougar wrong.

The additional aircraft required [24 vs. 16] are replace the 11 x SH-2G's {with 8 cabs} PLUS the 16 x S-70B's as FA-18 stated..

Keep it simple Navy and go with Igor's [and USN's] proven show...:ok:

+ MRH-90's are still grounded.:zzz:

Be great if we only had that type in service covering all roles!:yuk:

How can you something is a replacement when the when what is being replaced never went into service!

well the Seasprite was issued in small numbers to VS805 and withdrawn..

It was in limited service but never operational..

I seem to remember there were doubts about NH-90 fitting in the FFG's Hanger (ie - it would only just fit).

I don't think there would be any chance of getting one into an Anzac.........

It fits in both....just! It's only six inches taller than a Seahawk.

FA18 - thanks. It wasn't the height I was concerned about - I thought it was more the length. :ok:

Been almost 7 years since I was involved so the memory is a bit hazy..............:hmm:

No worries - MRH is actually a tad shorter folded and unfolded, and has a very similar wheel track/base.

Thanks slice, I also don't consider a few Seasprites flying around Nowra in VMC only as an operational capability! - so yes, they are to replace the Seahawks.