Mon, Dec 22, 2008
Multi-Role Helo Fifth Of 46-Aircraft Order
Australia’s Project AIR 9000 recently delivered the first
locally-assembled MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter to the Australian
Defence Force.
The MRH-90 is the Australian variant of the NH90 Tactical
Transport Helicopter (TTH), the other version being the NATO
Frigate Helicopter (NFH) developed by NH Industries. A total of 46
MRH-90s are being acquired under Project AIR 9000 Phases 2, 4 and
6.
The first four aircraft delivered were fully-assembled in
Eurocopter's facilities in Europe. The remaining 42 MRH-90s are
being assembled by Australian Aerospace in Brisbane and will
progressively be delivered until the end of 2014.
The MRH-90 fleet will ultimately replace Australian Navy Sea
King and Army Black Hawk helicopter fleets. The Commonwealth of
Australia selected the MRH-90 to modernize its military helicopter
fleets, as well as to consolidate the fleet to a common type.
"This acceptance of the first Australian-made MRH90 to the
Australian authorities is indeed an important accomplishment," said
Dominique Maudet, Eurocopter's Executive Vice-President
Governmental Helicopters. "It shows once again the successful
cooperation between NHI, Eurocopter, Australian Aerospace and the
Commonwealth. The MRH-90 program, through a comprehensive
Australian Industry Capability program, will generate 400 highly
skilled new jobs in Australia and inject A$1.34 billion into the
national economy. A 10-year though-life support program will also
be carried out in Australia."
The MRH-90 is a fly-by-wire, all-composite construction,
medium-lift helicopter that competes with the Sikorsky UH-60M Black
Hawk. With a larger cabin than Australia's current troop lift
helicopters, a rear ramp, weather radar and forward looking
infra-red, the MRH-90 can transport greater loads and carry more
troops in adverse conditions.
To date, 507 NH90 helicopters have been ordered by the armed
forces of 14 nations.
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