New helicopters on tarmac
13 August 2007
Two of the three Agusta Westland A109E helicopters ordered in February 2007 have made it onto the tarmac at HMAS Albatross enabling the commencement of A109E operations.
The multi-engine A109E aircraft have finished their military fit-out and are ready for service in training junior aircrew in the Royal Australian Navy. The $24 million four-year project was officially commissioned in December 2006.
The three aircraft were sourced from France, Italy and Sweden.
Raytheon Australia are leasing the aircraft and will be responsible for aircraft maintenance during the period of the contract.
The conversion to military specs, including fitment of additional radios, rescue hoist, cargo hook and repainting in RAN livery, was completed by Heliflight in Bankstown.
The A109E Power is a single pilot all-weather helicopter, fitted with modern avionics and a full utility fit for general rescue operations.
It will be capable of conducting multi-role operations both day and night.
The three helicopters will be dedicated to providing multi-engine helicopter training for pilots, observers and aircrewmen transitioning from the AS-350BA Squirrel to the heavier Sea King, Seahawk and Seasprite aircraft.
The aircraft has twin Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC), retractable landing gear, a modern IFR cockpit and high performance flight characteristics.
Although the aircraft can be certified as Single Pilot IFR, the aircraft will normally be flown with a crew of three, including a pilot, observer and aircrewman.
Initial training for new aircrew will take between three and five weeks to complete. These aircrew will then be able to perform a number of tasks independently including VIP transfers, SAR and limited utility operations with naval vessels.
The A109E Flight will operate as a detachment of 723 Squadron.
The Minister for Defence, Dr Brendan Nelson, was on hand not only to only officially welcome the new Agusta helicopters to the Fleet, but also to be briefed on the progress of the 817 Squadron as well as show his support to those personnel who may have been affected by the release of the Sea King report earlier in June.
Dr Nelson was accompanied by Chief of Navy VADM Russ Shalders, AO, CSC, RAN, and the Commander Australian Fleet RADM Nigel Coates.
Dr Nelson arrived on base in a Sea King, and said he has always found the sight of the flying chopper one of the most inspiring he has seen.
"I would rather come to Nowra in a Sea King, than on a motorbike," he said. "There has been too much criticism of this aircraft in the media.
"One of the best sights in the world is of a Sea King coming to rescue you."
Dr Nelson said of the report of the board of inquiry into the Nias Sea King disaster, "Every one of the recommendations in that report is being implemented ... I am proud of what is happening here in terms of maintaining and flying the Sea Kings and bringing it to a higher level of service."
Dr Nelson also spent more than an hour being briefed by 817 Squadron on its future plans.
He also addressed the issue of retention rates and pay scales within the Navy, citing the fact that the service had one of the best years ever in recruiting.
