MULTI-ROLE HELICOPTER DELIVERED BY RAAF C-17

The Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement, Mr Greg Combet, today announced that Australia’s third Multi-Role Helicopter, MRH04, has been transported to Australia by a RAAF C-17. 

“The delivery of the latest Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) by C-17 is a major capability milestone demonstrating the ability to deploy the helicopter globally once it is ready for operational service.”  

“The C-17 was on the return leg of an operational task and this activity has capitalised on a great opportunity to bring the MRH to Australia early. This is the first time, worldwide, that a helicopter of this type has been transported in a C-17. It is a significant achievement by Defence and Industry,” Mr Combet said. 

“The third MRH90 will provide an increase in capacity for the test and training program for Defence’s new troop lift and maritime support helicopter,” Mr Combet said.

“The helicopter will now be prepared for acceptance by the prime contractor, Australian Aerospace, and staff from the Defence Materiel Organisation.”

“Following successful completion of acceptance testing, Defence anticipates that MRH04 will be accepted in July 2008, after which the helicopter will be delivered to the 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville to join the test and training program,” Mr Combet said.

The MRH90 is being procured under Project Air 9000.  The objective of the project is to acquire additional troop lift capability for the ADF and provide a replacement for the Black Hawk and Sea King helicopters.

Among other tasks these helicopters will also enhance the ADF's capability to operate off the troop ships, Landing Platform Amphibious (LPA) HMAS Manoora and HMAS Kanimbla, which will provide a boost to our regional defence capabilities.

Still imagery is available at http://www.defence.gov.au/media/download/index.cfm

Media contacts:

Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):             02 6277 4771 or 0458 276 619

Defence Media Liaison:                  02 6265 3343 or 0408 498 664