Historic Maritime Trials for Cutting Edge MRH-90
26 November 2009
HMAS Manoora (CMDR Steve Dryden) has played host to one of the most significant trials the RAN has experienced in a generation, with the new Multi Role Helicopter (MRH-90) taken through its paces off Tasmania.
The main reason for the trials in HMAS Manoora was to explore the aircraft’s performance in all conditions at sea.
Carried out by the Nowra-based Aviation Maintenance and Flight Trials Unit (AMAFTU), the First of Class Flight Trials (FOCFT) are a three phase program.
Lead test pilot LCDR Mike Waddell said that, as far as handling qualities go, the MRH-90 was the best aircraft he had flown.
“It is a breeze to handle, loves to turn and, unlike other aircraft, is not constrained by angle of bank limits.”
Initial deck trials were run last year and examined blade folding, maintenance and hangar storage on passage from Townsville to Sydney.
To accurately test the MRH-90’s effectiveness in FOCFT phase two, the latest trials aboard Manoora encompassed takeoffs, landing zone hops, vertical replenishments and transfers, flying up to six hours a day. FOCFT phase three will be carried out in 2010 to finalise evaluation of the aircraft’s operational capability.
Manoora’s CO CMDR Steve Dryden said Australia’s south east coast offered an optimal test zone for phase two.
“It’s a very good place to do it,” he said. “It has the right range of weather and sea conditions so we’ve been able to satisfy all the AMAFTU requirements ahead of schedule.”
Bass Strait is notorious for causing fluctuating wind patterns and erratic ship movement, but it was hardly a hindrance for the MRH-90. Test Flight Detachment Commander LCDR Brad Mackay said they didn’t experience any conditions that it couldn’t handle.
“They easily surpass the Sea Kings and the Army’s Blackhawks, with both of these aircraft types to be gradually phased out and replaced by the MRH-90,” he said.
LCDR Waddell said the MRH-90 was much more powerful than the Sea King.
“The seven-tonne MRH-90 has a maximum all up weight of 10,600 kg, meaning it can carry two tonnes of fuel and up to 18 equipped personnel.”
Flight Senior Maintenance Sailor CPO William McConnell said that, mechanically, the MRH-90 was far superior to its predecessors.
“It brings 21st century technology to the ADF,” he said.
Forty six aircraft are expected enter service across Navy and Army by mid-2010, with six intended for RAN operation. These will be distributed between HMAS Manoora, HMAS Kanimbla and HMAS Success.
“We’ve already seen the power and the utility of the aircraft,” said CMDR Dryden. “The MRH-90 has an exciting future in supporting Navy operations.”
