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The
Eurocopter NH 90 which will be delivered to Australia in
2007.
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THE
first of 12 new troop lift helicopters for Army will be delivered
to Townsville in 2007. The others are expected by 2008.
Defence Minister Robert Hill has announced that Australian Aerospace
will supply the MRH-90 aircraft, subject to negotiations, to form
an additional troop lift helicopter squadron.
Senator Hill said the aircraft would bolster Australia’s counter-terrorism
capabilities by releasing a Black Hawk squadron to provide dedicated
support to Special Forces on the east coast.
“The MRH-90 is the new generation of multi-role helicopters, equipped
with state-of-the-art technology, a rear ramp that can be used
to load small vehicles, a flexible cabin configuration, a full
fly-by-wire flight control system and digital cockpit,” Senator
Hill said.
“The helicopter can carry up to 18 troops plus four crew or 4000kg
of underslung cargo, cruises at up to 300kph and has a maximum
range of over 900km.”
Senator HIll said it would be able to operate from the Navy’s
current and future amphibious ships.
