MAIDEN FLIGHT OF AUSTRALIA’S FIRST MULTI-ROLE HELICOPTER – MRH-90

The first of Australia’s 46 MRH-90 conducted its maiden flight today in Marignane, France.  The aircraft flew for 1.5 hours and the Eurocopter test crew were delighted with its performance. 

The first 4 MRH-90 are on schedule for delivery into Australia by the end of 2007, and the first fuselage of the 42 aircraft to be assembled in Australia arrived in Brisbane on 27 March.

This is a significant achievement in the history of this program and the hard work and dedication of all involved from the Commonwealth and Eurocopter, through its Australian subsidiary, Australian Aerospace, is acknowledged.

The Government announced the acquisition of 12 MRH-90 troop lift helicopters for Army in August 2004, to bolster Australia’s counter terrorism capabilities by releasing a Blackhawk squadron to provide dedicated support to our Special Forces on the east coast.

In June 2006, the Government announced the acquisition of an additional 34 MRH-90 to replace Army’s Blackhawks and Navy’s Sea Kings.  The project value for the total acquisition of 46 aircraft is around $4.2 billion.

The project includes a $1.2 billion Australian Industry Capability package that focuses on state of the art composite construction, avionics, turbine engine assembly and maintenance, and ongoing software support.

The project also includes the construction of new or upgraded facilities in Townsville, Oakey, Nowra and Holsworthy.

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