Third MRH90 Now In Aussie Hands

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, Greg Combet, announced Wednesday Australia's third Multi-Role Helicopter, MRH04, has been transported to Australia by a RAAF C-17.

"The delivery of the latest Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) by C-17 is a major capability milestone demonstrating the ability to deploy the helicopter globally once it is ready for operational service."

"The C-17 was on the return leg of an operational task and this activity has capitalized on a great opportunity to bring the MRH to Australia early. This is the first time, worldwide, that a helicopter of this type has been transported in a C-17. It is a significant achievement by Defence and Industry," Combet said.

"The third MRH90 will provide an increase in capacity for the test and training program for Defence's new troop lift and maritime support helicopter," Combet said. "The helicopter will now be prepared for acceptance by the prime contractor, Australian Aerospace, and staff from the Defence Materiel Organization."

The MRH90 is the Australian variant of the Eurocopter NH90. The helos are capable of carrying two pilots and 20 fully-equipped combat troops up to 900km at speeds of up to 300km/h. They will replace existing Army Black Hawk and Navy Sea King helicopters.

"Following successful completion of acceptance testing, Defence anticipates that MRH04 will be accepted in July 2008, after which the helicopter will be delivered to the 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville to join the test and training program," Combet said.

FMI: www.defence.gov.au/, www.eurocopter.com