Looking forward to replacement

BIRD OF PREY: The design on whch the Navy’s MRH 90 is based.

 

Volume 49, No. 12, July 13, 2006

By Michael Brooke

The personnel of 817 SQN based at HMAS Albatross are looking forward to the challenge of being the lead unit to introduce the MRH 90 into Naval Service when the Sea King retires in 2010.

CDMR Tim Leonard, CO 817 SQN, told Navy News that he “welcomed the announcement of the acquisition of MRH90 helicopters.”

“The Sea King has been an outstanding performer over three decades, providing essential aviation support to the ADF in general, and the Fleet in particular,” he said.

“This announcement gives some level of certainty with which 817 Squadron can now plan its part of the transition. The location stability provided by this announcement is also welcomed.”

Maritime Commander Australia RADM Davyd Thomas said the Sea King would be retired in step with the Defence Department’s $2 billion plan to acquire 34 MRH90 helicopters for the Navy and the Army.

RADM Thomas said while the Sea King had given the RAN good service 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.

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