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Army to get $1 billion helicopter fleet
August 31, 2004 - 1:33PM

The Australian Army is to be equipped with 12 Eurocopter NH-90 troop transport helicopters under a $1 billion deal announced by the federal government.

Prime Minister John Howard and Defence Minister Robert Hill said today the government had selected Australian Aerospace to supply the new aircraft to bolster the nation's counter-terrorism capabilities.

"The helicopter can carry up to 18 troops plus four crew or 4,000 kilograms of under-slung cargo, cruises at up to 300kph and has a maximum range of over 900 kilometres," they said in a statement.

The government chose the Eurocopter aircraft over the latest variant of the Black Hawk helicopter supplied by US firm Sikorsky.

Sikorsky had offered 48 UH-60M Black Hawk aircraft.

The British Special Air Service recently opted for four modified NH-90s for use in special operations.

AAP

Tuesday, 31 August 2004 175/2004

NEW HELICOPTERS FOR ARMY

The Australian Army will be equipped with 12 new troop lift helicopters under a $1 billion project approved by the Howard Government, Prime Minister John Howard and Defence Minister Robert Hill announced today.
Senator Hill said the Government had selected Australian Aerospace to supply the new MRH-90 aircraft to form an additional troop lift helicopter squadron, subject to satisfactory conclusion of negotiations.
This will bolster Australia's counter-terrorism capabilities by releasing a Black Hawk squadron to provide dedicated support to our Special Forces on the east coast.
"The MRH-90 is the new generation of multi-role helicopters, equipped with state-of-the-art technology, a rear ramp that can be used to load small vehicles, a flexible cabin configuration, a full fly-by-wire flight control system and digital cockpit," Senator Hill said.
"The helicopter can carry up to 18 troops plus four crew or 4000kg of underslung cargo, cruises at up to 300kph and has a maximum range of over 900km. It is a fully marinised helicopter that is able to operate from the Royal Australian Navy's current and future amphibious ships.
"It is purpose-built for amphibious operations and includes extra corrosion protection, folding rotor blades and other enhancements to allow shipboard operations. This will give the Army an enhanced ability to move more soldiers further and faster from our amphibious lift ships, HMAS Kanimbla and Manoora, and their replacements.
"The aircraft is certified for ditching and is designed to modern safety standards, including crashworthiness and tolerance to structural and system damage - offering excellent protection for our troops that will be conducting sea and land operations."
Senator Hill said the first helicopter for the new squadron at Townsville would be delivered in 2007, with all 12 aircraft expected to be delivered by 2008.
"The new squadron will increase Army's troop lift capability by more than half," Senator Hill said.
"This will allow the relocation of a squadron of Black Hawk helicopters to the Sydney area to support the ADF's Special Forces, further strengthening the Howard Government's commitment to fighting terrorism.
"The Black Hawk squadron will be located near our Special Forces soldiers that are based at Holsworthy and will enhance mobility and training effectiveness for this critical capability.
"The Howard Government has committed more than $1.3 billion to the Australian Defence Force to fight the war against terrorism since 11 September 2001. This project will mean our Special Forces are better equipped to respond swiftly to any terrorist threat or incident."
Senator Hill said the project would also provide a substantial boost for Australian industry.
"The purchase of these new helicopters will include a support contract that may last for up to 20 years, and the overall Australian industry component of this project is expected to exceed $300 million," Senator Hill said.
"Benefits are expected to build on Australian Aerospace's industry commitment developed as part of project AIR 87 and the delivery of the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, the Eurocopter Tiger. Opportunities for Australian industry are anticipated in helicopter assembly, common and similar aircraft systems, avionics equipment, structural and engine technologies and training systems."

Australian Aerospace Welcomes Army Helicopter Deal


(Source: Australian Aerospace; issued Aug. 31, 2004)


SYDNEY --- Australian Aerospace today announced plans for significant investment and the creation of new skilled jobs in Australia, following the Federal Government’s decision to buy 12 MRH90 helicopters for the Army.

The purchase of these new helicopters will include a support contract lasting up to 20 years and is expected to generate more than $300 million investment in Australian industry.

The MRH90s will be used as additional troop lift helicopters and were chosen ahead of the Black Hawk.

The MRH90s will form a new squadron based in Townsville. The first helicopter will be delivered in 2007, with all 12 aircraft expected to be delivered by 2008.

Australian Aerospace already is assembling 18 Tiger armed reconnaissance helicopter for the Australian Army in Brisbane. That project is on time and on budget.

The twin-engine, medium-lift MRH90 is the Australian version of Eurocopter’s NH90 and is the most advanced helicopter in its class. It has a corrosion-free composite air frame and a fully electronic flight control system, resulting in much lower operating and maintenance costs than its competitors.

Australian Aerospace Chief Executive Officer, Joseph Saporito, has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement.

“We are delighted the Federal Government has decided to buy the MRH90,” he said. “The decision reflects the fact that the MRH90 is the world’s most advanced helicopter in its class.”

Mr Saporito said Australian Aerospace and its local partners including ADI, KBR, Raytheon Australia and Thales Training Simulators will provide major components, mission systems, electronics, flight training facilities, training and maintenance for the helicopters.

“The MRH90 is a truly multi-role helicopter which carries more troops and more equipment, further and faster than other helicopters of the same weight. It can be configured in more ways and is fully interoperable with NATO and Coalition forces,” he said.

“The MRH90 is ideal to operate from land and sea. Its composite construction means there is no corrosion. It is easy and quick to maintain and spends a greater percentage of its operational life in the air than other helicopters in this class.”

Eurocopter President Fabrice Brégier said the decision will bring significant cost savings for the Australian Defence Force. “The Tiger and MRH90 helicopters complement each other,” he said. “They share the same technology and therefore provide continuity and cost savings. This contract will enhance the position of Australian Aerospace and Eurocopter as an autonomous helicopter manufacturer in Australia.”

Australia is the 11th nation committed to buying the MRH90 or its European equivalent, the NH90. Currently, there are 345 firm orders and 86 options.

Australian Aerospace is the only helicopter manufacturer in Australia and New Zealand. It is a subsidiary of the Eurocopter group and a member of the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS). Australian Aerospace employs about 300 people and has revenue of A$200 million.

The company assembles, supplies and maintains military and civil aircraft for the Australian and export markets.

Australian Aerospace is assembling and testing 18 Tiger helicopters for the Australian Army and assembles the EC120B civilian helicopter at its centre of excellence in Brisbane. Australian Aerospace also has a maintenance contract with the Royal Australian Air Force for its fleet of Caribou and P-3C Orion transport and reconnaissance planes.

oui j'en ai aussi entendu parlé pour les tigres.
Avec un peu de bol, on leur fourgua aussi des A 400M et des rafales !

Originally posted by Mobius@1 Sep 2004, 11:45
Plutot des Eurofighters mais faut pas rèver: tant qu'ils garderont les F-111 leur budget Aéro n'aura pas grand chose à offrir

Originally posted by asnamara+1 Sep 2004, 13:02--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td>QUOTE (asnamara @ 1 Sep 2004, 13:02)</td></tr><tr><td id='QUOTE'> <!--QuoteBegin-Mobius@1 Sep 2004, 11:45
Plutot des Eurofighters mais faut pas rèver: tant qu'ils garderont les F-111 leur budget Aéro n'aura pas grand chose à offrir

Originally posted by Mobius@1 Sep 2004, 11:45
oui des Tigres ARH (Armed Reco Helicopter) construit sur place par la filiale d'eurocopter.

oui j'en ai aussi entendu parlé pour les tigres.
Avec un peu de bol, on leur fourgua aussi des A 400M et des rafales !

Plutot des Eurofighters mais faut pas rèver: tant qu'ils garderont les F-111 leur budget Aéro n'aura pas grand chose à offrir

Avec un peu de bol, on leur fourgua aussi des A 400M et des rafales !

Originally posted by PolluxDeltaSeven@1 Sep 2004, 19:00
je pense qu'a part une engueulade USA-Australie, je voi pa comment il pourrait concurrencer le F-35.

Originally posted by Moos_tachu@1 Sep 2004, 19:07
Bah n'empêche qu'ils viennent quand même de perdre 3 marchés coup sur coup en Australie ces chers ricains... Et à chaque fois à notre profit

Bah n'empêche qu'ils viennent quand même de perdre 3 marchés coup sur coup en Australie ces chers ricains...

Originally posted by Oxitom@1 Sep 2004, 19:37
Au profit des européens bien entendus car ce ne sont que des produits qui regroupent au moins 2 pays européens....

Originally posted by Moos_tachu@2 Sep 2004, 05:08
Mais c'est bien ce que je voulais dire Oxi... Je suis européen (d'où le "notre"), pas toi ?