Future Aircraft
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Multi Role Helicopter
The Multi Role Helicopter (MRH) will replace the ADF's existing Black Hawk and Sea King fleets with increased and improved capability, ability and capacity to meet emerging requirements. 46 MRH-90 aircraft will be acquired for Navy and Army.
The first two aircraft were accepted into service in Brisbane on 18 December 2007 in a ceremony attended by The Hon Greg Combet MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement.
The MRH-90 capability will have more built-in safety features that meet or exceed today's requirements and utilise the latest technology including composite materials and fly-by-wire systems that will provide more efficient maintenance.
When completed, the MRH-90 will be available for two airmobile squadrons, one special operations support squadron, and one maritime support helicopter squadron able to provide airmobile and maritime support capability to the ADF from land bases as well as the Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ships.
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- Second Diagnostic Review of MRH-90 Multi Role Helicopter Program
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- MRH-90 to Replace Sea King and Black Hawk Helicopters
- MRH-90 Swoops In
- MRH-90 Recommencement of Flying Operations
- Historic Maritime Trials for Cutting Edge MRH-90
- Diagnostic Review of MRH-90 Multi Role Helicopter Program
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The Australian Government has approved the acquisition of 24 MH-60R Seahawk ‘Romeo’ naval combat helicopters at a cost of over $3 billion. The ‘Romeo’ helicopter was chosen because it represents the best value for money for taxpayers and was the lowest risk option.
The ‘Romeo’ is a proven capability currently operated by the United States Navy. The United States Navy has accepted around 100 ‘Romeos’ which have accumulated 90,000 flying hours, including on operational deployments.
Interoperability with Australia’s Alliance partner, the United States, is also a significant advantage of this helicopter.
The helicopters are largely military off-the-shelf built by Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin and will be purchased through the Foreign Military Sales process from the US Navy.
Acquisition of 24 ‘Romeos’ means that Navy will have the capacity to provide at least eight warships with a combat helicopter at the same time, including Anzac Class frigates and the new Air Warfare Destroyers. The remainder will be based at HMAS Albatross in Nowra, New South Wales, and will be in various stages of the regular maintenance and training cycle.
They will be equipped with a highly sophisticated combat systems designed to employ Hellfire air-to-surface missile and the Mark 54 anti-submarine torpedo.
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