Second Diagnostic Review of MRH-90 Multi Role Helicopter Program

16 September 2011

MRH 90 'Cobra 08' takes off from the Flight Deck of HMAS Manoora during the First of Class Flight Trials at sea.

A second diagnostic review of the MRH-90 Multi Role Helicopter Program will begin next week, Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare said today.

This follows a review conducted in April which recommended that Defence work with the contractor, Australian Aerospace, to implement a remediation plan.

At that time, Mr Clare said a second review would be undertaken this year to examine the effectiveness of the action taken and whether further action is necessary to remediate the project.

This review will be Chaired by DMO’s Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer Harry Dunstall and will report back by the end of October.

The first diagnostic review was ordered to address delays to the project due to a series of key issues including engine failure, transmission oil cooler fan failures and the poor availability of spares.

To date, 13 MRH-90 helicopters have been accepted by Defence and are currently being used for testing and initial crew training.