First Of 22 New Recon Helos Arrives At MoD
The Australian Army has taken delivery of the first of 22 state
of the art Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopters at a ceremony at
Oakey in Queensland, Defence Minister Robert Hill announced
Wednesday.
"The delivery of the first two Tiger Armed Reconnaissance
Helicopters (ARH) to the Australian Army represents a significant
milestone in the development of the Army Aviation capability and to
the Australian Defence Force," Senator Hill said.
"The Tiger ARH is equipped with leading edge technology in its
sensors, data links and communications and provide a major new
capability for Army. Fitted with Hellfire missiles, 70mm rockets
and cannons, the heavily armed Tiger ARH will significantly enhance
the reconnaissance and firepower capabilities of the Army combined
arms team, which will also be augmented soon by the Abrams Main
Battle Tank.
"The Tigers' flexibility, ability to deploy at short notice and
to operate in diverse circumstances represents a revolution in the
Australian Army's operational versatility. The Army will be able to
conduct tactical reconnaissance and escort and protect our Black
Hawk helicopters as they transport troops and supplies."
The ceremony was attended by the Industry Minister and Member
for Groom, Ian Macfarlane, and Parliamentary Secretary to the
Minister for Defence, Teresa Gambaro.
Senator Hill praised the work of the Defence Materiel
Organization and Australian Aerospace for their outstanding work in
delivering the helicopters to the Army.
"The contract schedule was very demanding, culminating in the
successful delivery of the first two Tigers today, on schedule and
on budget," Senator Hill said.
"Australian Aerospace and the Commonwealth have worked
cooperatively to meet this demanding schedule, in a manner that
establishes the benchmark for successful Defence Materiel business
standards in the future.
"The new Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel
Organization, Dr Stephen Gumley, and his counterpart at Australian
Aerospace, Mr Joseph Saporito, should be congratulated.
"Project success would not have been possible without the
assistance of the French and German Governments. The ARH is
following after the Tiger variants of both nations. French and
German armament and certification agencies extended considerable
resources and effort to Australia in order for the project to
succeed by today."
The first four ARH are being assembled at Eurocopter in France.
Additionally, Thales in France is assembling the ARH Aircrew
simulators. The remaining 18 ARH are being assembled at the
Australian Aerospace production facility at Brisbane.