HMAS Canberra conducts FOCFT for Tigers
The Royal Australian Navy’s landing helicopter dock ship HMAS Canberra has conducted first of class flight trials (FOCFT) for the Tiger ARH helicopter, the navy announced on 22 October.
The trials were conducted by a team from the Aircraft Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit (AMAFTU) in a range of environmental conditions over seven weeks. HMAS Canberra conducted operations up and down the eastern seaboard, in Darwin Harbour, the Arufura Sea and in the Pacific Ocean on transit to and from Noumea.
The geographical variety permitted operations in high temperatures, calm seas and light winds along with higher winds and sea states to induce increased pitch and roll. This culminated in the validation of proposed wind envelopes in conditions up to sea state five at the end of the trial.
To further add to the complexity of the trial, Canberra was simultaneously engaged in a number of other tasks. After the initial period of the trial, a limited day-only operating limit was approved by the Fleet Aviation Officer for operational use. This was used by 1 Aviation Regiment, who had embarked two additional helicopters to conduct deck landing qualifications.
FOCFT is a critical process in enabling helicopters to operate to and from flight decks. Designed to define the safe environmental conditions for ongoing operations, a FOCFT includes aviation facilities assessments, equipment calibration and evaluation of the interface between a particular helicopter type and class of ship.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard set to accelerate schedule of shipbuilding programmes]()
US Coast Guard set to accelerate schedule of shipbuilding programmes
With the funds provided by the One Big Beautiful Bill, the Coast Guard will attempt to speed up the production of the Waterways Commerce and Fast Response cutters.
-
![Indonesian Navy looks for variety and industrial partnerships to add capability]()
Indonesian Navy looks for variety and industrial partnerships to add capability
Indonesia is looking to introduce a variety of vessels to meet particular requirements both operational and geographic and is building ties with Turkey as part of the effort.
-
![US military pursues affordable, commercial solutions to enhance maritime ISR]()
US military pursues affordable, commercial solutions to enhance maritime ISR
The DIU is seeking low-cost, COTS capabilities and technologies to analyse naval environments and increase the safety for personnel and infrastructure.
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers to upgrade the MK 41 VLS]()
US Navy seeks suppliers to upgrade the MK 41 VLS
The US Navy has been preparing to award a contract for the refurbishment of MK 41 VLS on board USN vessels and other military type ships.
-
![Chinese icebreaker sailing in the US Arctic mobilises the US Coast Guard’s assets]()
Chinese icebreaker sailing in the US Arctic mobilises the US Coast Guard’s assets
The growing presence of Beijing’s vessels in the Arctic has been challenging the US, while the Coast Guard still struggles with ageing platforms and delayed acquisition programmes.
-
![Philippine Navy looks to old and new vessels to beef up its fleet]()
Philippine Navy looks to old and new vessels to beef up its fleet
The Philippines has turned to regional neighbours Japan and South Korea in a effort to boost its naval fleet with new and ex-Japanese ships. The bonds between the countries is an acknowledgment of the rising power of China and the continued manoeuvres of the Asian giant throughout the region.
