ADF MRH90 Helicopter deliveries recommence
Australian Aerospace has announced the delivery of the 15th MRH90 (Multi-Role Helicopter) to the Australian Defence Force (ADF), following the signing of an agreement to overcome programme issues and ensure timely delivery of the fleet. Under a contract with the ADF, Australian Aerospace is assembling and delivering 46 MRH90s to replace Army and Navy Black Hawk and Sea King helicopters.
The troubled MRH90 project has seen a number of issues throw doubt on the ability for the programme to meet the requirements of the ADF, including engine failure and oil cooler fan problems. In November a Deed of Agreement was signed by Aerospace and the Commonwealth of Australia to establish a remediation plan for the programme to ensure timely delivery of the fleet into service. This latest delivery of tail number 014 is an encouraging sign that the programme is gaining traction and making progress.
The MRH90 is capable of carrying 2 pilots, 2 loadmasters and 18 combat troops up to 900km at speeds in excess of 300 km/h, the MRH90 is a fly-by-wire, all-composite construction, medium-lift helicopter with the highest crash-worthiness standards. Chosen by Australia over competing types as part of a programme to modernise and rationalise its military helicopter fleet, the MRH90 is ‘the world’s most advanced helicopter in the ten-tonne class’ according to Australian Aerospace.
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