Aussies pick NH90 transport helicopters.

[P.A.F]

EADS, a leader in global aerospace and defence, welcomes the decision of the Australian Department of Defence to acquire 12 NH90 transport helicopters.

“This decision is not only a further demonstration of the competitiveness of the NH90. It also gives a boost to our strategic goal to grow both our defence business in general and our activities in the Asia-Pacific region in particular�, stated Philippe Camus and Rainer Hertrich, the CEOs of EADS. “In the next five years, we see the Asia Pacific share of our turnover reaching 20 percent. And by 2015 we expect 30 percent of our sales to come from Asia Pacific. The success in Australia is a clear result of a regional strategy successfully developed and implemented by EADS and Eurocopter.�

The choice for NH90 transport helicopters continues a series of major successes for EADS in the Australian market. In the defence business, the order of 22 Tiger combat helicopters in 2001 was followed by the Australian Defence Department’s decision to buy five A330 MRTT (Multi-Role Tanker Transport Aircraft) in April 2004. EADS’ commercial aircraft subsidiary Airbus won a Qantas order for twelve A380 and thirteen A330 in 2000 and an order by Jetstar for twenty A320 (plus 40 options) in 2003.

The Australian version of the NH90 is called the MRH90. The MRH90 helicopters will complete the helicopter troop-lift units of the Australian Army.

“We want to add value to our customers and partners in Asia Pacific,� underlined the EADS CEOs. “This region is not only a market for sales, it is fast becoming a major player in the world of aerospace and defence in its own right. We want to expand our existing industrial partnerships, carry out more research and development in the region and increase our sourcing activities.�
Australian Aerospace has built a new facility at Brisbane Airport, which produces the Australian Tiger military helicopter and the EC120 light civilian helicopter. Australian Aerospace employs 300 people.

“Australia is one of the reference customers not only in the region but globally as it is known for its fair, tough and thorough competition and evaluation procedures,� Camus and Hertrich said. “We are very proud to have won the customer confidence once again. We will deliver on our promise.�

EADS is also involved in several other tenders in the Asia Pacific region. Among them are helicopter campaigns for Navy and Air Force and the Next Generation Fighter Replacement programme in Singapore, where the Eurofighter has been downselected. In South Korea it is the Multipurpose Helicopter programme (KMH).
EADS is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2003, EADS, generated revenues of € 30.1 billion and employed a workforce of about 109,000. The EADS Group includes the aircraft manufacturer Airbus, the world's largest helicopter supplier Eurocopter and the joint venture MBDA, the second largest missile producer in the global market. EADS is the major partner in the Eurofighter consortium, is the prime contractor for the Ariane launcher, develops the A400M military transport aircraft and is the largest industrial partner for the European satellite navigation system Galileo. EADS has a 62.5 percent share in the NH90 programme through its 100 percent subsidiary Eurocopter.

http://www.eads.com/frame/lang/en/10.../31000036.html

[yasin_khan]

Its good news to Australian Army.It will increase its Air Borne activities.

[P.A.F]

yes and i have to say that EADS is a good company. my brother used to work for them and man do they make high-tech military and space hardware.

The 12 MRH-90 order is only the first phase of a much larger order. The Australian Defence Force has a Project known as AIR 9000 to rationalise it's helicopter fleet. The MRH-90 is the platform which will eventually replace our current issue Blackhawks, Iroquois, Seahawk, Sea Kings and Super Sea Sprites. (So a further 50 or so MRH-90's will be ordered before this project ends). This will leave Australia with 4 main helo types; the MRH-90, the Tiger Armed Recon Helo, The CH-47D Chinook and an as yet unknown, training/light utility helicopter, something in the class of the Agusta A109E Power...

[P.A.F]

thanx for the info

[yasin_khan]

PAF
Can u give the price of this helicopter?

[P.A.F]

New Helicopters for the Australian Army

By: Department of Defence (Australia)






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."


http://www.epicos.com/News/NewsItem.asp?IdArticle=18218

Can u give the price of this helicopter?

Bloody expensive...

Here's the Australian Army Newspaper view on this report:

Need a lift?
Army looks to Europe for troop-lift carrier


MRH 90 troop-lift helicopter

By Sgt Sybelle Foxcroft

TWELVE MRH 90 troop-lift helicopters will be introduced into the Army by 2008, increasing the current troop carrying capacity by 50 per cent.

Announced August 31, the first of the 12 helicopters will be implemented into the Army in 2007, with the full capacity expected to be online by 2008.

The MRH 90s will be releasing the A Sqn Black Hawks to be relocated to the Sydney area, for use by the Special Forces.

CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy said the helicopter acquisition would improve the joint amphibious nature of the ADF and overall Army capability.

“We are looking very clearly into the future at our amphibious capability and we see that the joint capabilities developed will enhance our ability to operate in the environment,� he said.

“The helicopters can operate seamlessly with the Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter, the [M1A1] Abrams tank and with infantry, armour and artillery.

“The helicopters will enhance the Army’s capability and be able to provide government with a wide range of options for contingencies for war fighting, peace operations, nation building and counter terrorism.�

The MRH 90 can carry 18 fully- equipped troops in crash-worthy seats. Its singular capabilities enable it to be fully integrated into the combined arms team.

The introduction of the MRH90 will result in a number of changes to the existing Army aviation unit structure.
Current planning would see 171 Sqn, currently based at Oakey, moved to Townsville and become A Sqn, 5 Avn Regt, equipped with the new MRH 90s.

The existing A Sqn would then move to the Sydney area with its Black Hawk helicopters and become 171 Sqn, providing air mobility support to the eastern-based special operations units and tasks.

Australian Aerospace has been chosen to supply the MRH 90, with most of the assembly being carried out in Brisbane.




MRH 90 troop-lift helicopter
MRH-90 stats:

Length: 19.56m
Height: 5.31m
Width: 3.64m
Main rotor diameter m: 16.3
Empty weight: 5400kg
Max all up mass: 10600kg
Slung load max: 4000kg
Number of engines: 2
Engine options: GE T700-T6E or RTM 322-01/9
Number of blades: 4
Troop seating: 18
Stretchers: 12
Cabin entry points: Port and starboard doors, rear ramp
C130 transportable: Yes
Max aircraft fit on current LPA: 4
Range – internal tanks: 970km
External fuel tank capable: Yes
Useable volume, cubic m: 12.43

[boylde]

Originally Posted by Aussie Digger

The 12 MRH-90 order is only the first phase of a much larger order. The Australian Defence Force has a Project known as AIR 9000 to rationalise it's helicopter fleet. The MRH-90 is the platform which will eventually replace our current issue Blackhawks, Iroquois, Seahawk, Sea Kings and Super Sea Sprites. (So a further 50 or so MRH-90's will be ordered before this project ends). This will leave Australia with 4 main helo types; the MRH-90, the Tiger Armed Recon Helo, The CH-47D Chinook and an as yet unknown, training/light utility helicopter, something in the class of the Agusta A109E Power...

To replace the Sea King is the EH 101

Origin:UK and Italyhttp://www.combataircraft.com/aircraft/heh101_d.jpgType:shipborne and land-based multi-role naval helicopterMax Speed:150 kt / 173 mphRange wit 4 Tank's 1100 KMDimensions:main rotor diameter 18.59 m / 61 ft 0 in
length 22,81 m , 74ft 10 in
height 6.65 m / 21 ft 10 inWeight:empty 7,121 kg / 15,700 lb
maximum take-off 13,530 kg / 29,830 lbPowerplant:three Rolls-Royce/Turbomeca RTM 322 turboshafts each rated at 1724-kW (2,312-shp) maximum contingency power and 1566-kW (2,100-shp) intermediate contingency powerArmament:external provision for up to 960 kg (2,112 Ib) of weapons such as four lightweight homing torpedoes

I'm not sure what you mean there Boylde, but the EH-101 was eliminated from AIR-9000 VERY early on in the competition. If (and when) the Sea King is replaced, it is most likely it will be replaced by the MRH-90. The object of AIR-9000 is to reduce airframe types operated by Australia, not INCREASE them...

[tatra]

Sorry to go of the topic a bit but the wording used somethimes is so hilarious. Take for example "crash-worthy seats" ... are those seats so bad that they deserve to be crashed?