Image Gallery: June 2006
MRH 90 to Replace Sea King and Black Hawk Helicopters
19 June 2006
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) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 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) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 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) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 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) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 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) Low-res | High-res |
 |
| 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 |
 |
