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19 June 2006
MRH 90 TO REPLACE SEA KING AND BLACK HAWK HELICOPTERS

The Government has approved a $ 2 billion acquisition of thirty-four MRH 90 helicopters to replace Navy’s Sea King and Army’s Black Hawk helicopters.

The selection of the MRH 90 complements the Government’s decision in 2004 to acquire an initial twelve MRH 90 helicopters as Army’s additional troop lift helicopter. Delivery of the first twelve is scheduled from December 2007 through to December 2009. The 34 additional MRH 90s will be assembled in Brisbane.

When delivered, the MRH 90s will be based at RAAF base Townsville, Holsworthy Barracks in Sydney and HMAS Albatross in Nowra. A contingent will also be based at a joint training facility at Oakey in Queensland. The new twin-engine troop lift helicopters will provide opportunities for joint fleet management.

These benefits include greater operational flexibility and efficiency through common operational, training and logistic systems and a capability to rotate personnel, aircraft, spare parts and role-specific equipment between troop lift, special operations and maritime support commitments.

The MRH 90 is an extremely capable helicopter featuring a modern damage tolerant design, a large cabin volume with ramp and enhanced levels of marinisation. The Sea Kings will be retired in 2010, followed by the Black Hawks which will be progressively replaced between 2011 and 2015.

As these MRH 90 aircraft will be assembled in Australia this acquisition of at least 34 aircraft will provide significant opportunities
for Australian industry and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) will gain an operating capability within a relatively short time-frame.

Read Release: MRH 90 TO REPLACE SEA KING AND BLACK HAWK HELICOPTERS

 

20060619cpa74181_024
The Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson MP ,Minister for Defence and the Prime Minister The Hon. John Howard, MP answering media questions during the announcement of the acquisition of the MRH 90 helicopters.
(Date taken: 19 June 2006)
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20060619cpa74181_031
The Hon. Dr Brendan Nelson MP ,Minister for Defence answering media questions during the announcement of the acquisition of the MRH 90 helicopters. Standing behind him left to right are Lieutenant General David Hurley, Lieutenant General K.J. Gillespie, AO, DSC, CSM,Vice Chief of the Defence Force (VCDF) and Prime Minister John Howard MP.
(Date taken: 19 June 2006)
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CDPH-0499-102
The first German TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) variant of the NH 90 undergoing troop trials prior to acceptance into service with the German Army. Our MRH 90 is largely based on the TTH from Germany.
(Date taken: 19 June 2006)
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CDPH-0499-186
The first German TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) variant of the NH 90 undergoing troop trials prior to acceptance into service with the German Army. Our MRH 90 is largely based on the TTH from Germany.

(Date taken: 19 June 2006)
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DIGIT-01361
Personnel from both 5 Aviation Regiment and the 3rd Brigade inspect a full-scale mock-up of the MRH 90, albeit with minor differences from the eventual aircraft. It was in Australia for the Avalon Airshow prior to the decision on AIR 9000 Phase 2.
(Date taken: 19 June 2006)
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NH90 E.I._02
The first German TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) variant of the NH 90 undergoing troop trials prior to acceptance into service with the German Army. Our MRH 90 is largely based on the TTH from Germany.
(Date taken: 19 June 2006)
Low-res | High-res
NH90 E.I._05
The first German TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) variant of the NH 90 undergoing troop trials prior to acceptance into service with the German Army. Our MRH 90 is largely based on the TTH from Germany.

(Date taken: 19 June 2006)
Low-res | High-res
TGEA01_088
The first German TTH (Tactical Transport Helicopter) variant of the NH 90 undergoing troop trials prior to acceptance into service with the German Army. Our MRH 90 is largely based on the TTH from Germany.
(Date taken: 19 June 2006)
Low-res | High-res

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