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Australian Government Department of Defence

Defence
MEDIA RELEASE

 
19/03/2005 MSPA 90/05
 
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Defence Media Release

DEFENCE STATEMENT –

SUPER SEASPRITE HELICOPTERS

The Navy’s Super Seasprite project has been misrepresented by claims made in today’s Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.

The aircraft is currently undergoing a certification process before it can become fully operational. Defence expects to receive a certified helicopter later this year.

Once accepted, the Super Seasprite will fulfil all of its planned roles including search and rescue operations in poor visibility.

This is a normal and proper process for Defence to follow in testing a new aircraft’s capability, safety and airworthiness.

Defence does not take shortcuts when it comes to capability and technology that will be used by our Defence personnel.

The Super Seasprite will provide a significant capability boost to the Anzac class frigates.

Defence is also working through a range of issues that are expected to be rectified or mitigated by the time a fully capable helicopter is accepted by Defence.

Further flight testing is planned later this year to allow the fully configured helicopter to be presented to Defence’s independent Airworthiness Board for certification.

 

 

 

Media contact:

Defence Media Liaison (02) 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664

 

 
 

Issued by Ministerial Support and Public Affairs, Department of Defence,
Canberra, ACT
Phone: 02 6127 1999
Fax: 02 6265 6946
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