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.
More from Defence Helicopter
-
![CH-47F Chinook Block II reaches final assembly line as wider programme moves forward]()
CH-47F Chinook Block II reaches final assembly line as wider programme moves forward
The Block II upgrade incorporates various enhancements to increase lift capability and commonality between US Army and allied fleets, reducing maintenance costs.
-
![Uruguay's African peacekeepers to receive new support helicopter]()
Uruguay's African peacekeepers to receive new support helicopter
The donation of a utility helicopter by the UA will increase the Uruguayan peacekeeping deployment’s air support capabilities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
-
![Turkiye's Gokbey helicopter marks first indigenous engined flight]()
Turkiye's Gokbey helicopter marks first indigenous engined flight
On April 22, 2023, Turkish Aerospace’s T-625 GOKBEY general-purpose helicopter conducted a test flight with an indigenous TEI-TS1400 engine for the first time.
-
![Canada to upgrade AW101 rescue helicopters in-country under Leonardo-IMP deal]()
Canada to upgrade AW101 rescue helicopters in-country under Leonardo-IMP deal
Canada's IMP Aerospace will carry out upgrades on 13 of the 16 AW101 aircraft covered by the CMLU programme under a sub-contract from Leonardo Helicopters UK.
-
![US Coast Guard to upgrade radars for MH-60 and MH-65 helicopter fleets]()
US Coast Guard to upgrade radars for MH-60 and MH-65 helicopter fleets
New Honeywell IntuVue RDR-7000 weather radars will be installed on USCG MH-60 and MH-65 helicopters.
