Does anyone have any idea on why there is such a big hold up with determining what the plan for the future of the all rotary aircraft within the ADF will be? It was slightly relieving to hear the announcement of the MRH-90 being selected as the new troop lift chopper to operate from our new amphib ships, but what is the big problem with those making the decision on the rationalisation of our chopper fleet? I understand that some believe that the Blackhawk is best suited to the anti-terrorism role so wouldn't the most logical step be to retain and upgrade a portion of these choppers and simply replace the remainder Blackhawks with the MRH-90? And the Seahawks, Seakings and Seasprite all need to be replaced with the ASW and trooplift versions of the MRH-90 as well. This would be true rationalisation of the fleet giving a common fleet with common maintenance and training.
Would this solution be feasible?
In addition to the 12 trooplift MRH-90 so far selected an additional 28 are purchased for the Army.
The 7 Seakings, 16 Seahawks and 11 Seasprites are replaced with 34 MRH-90 in a combination of trooplift and ASW.
The Chinooks should be upgraded to the latest version but marinised too to enable operations at sea, and then supplemented with an additional 4 new built Chinooks under AIR8000 to strengthen the squadron.
A single light utility chopper leased to train pilots from both Navy and Army.
This would give Army 40 trooplift choppers, 10 heavy lift choppers and 22 armed recon choppers. 12 Blackhawks could be retained and upgraded, 6 for east coast and 6 for west coast anti-terrorism.
Navy would have 34 MRH-90 (a mixture of ASW & trooplift) for a number of roles and supply lift. If more are required with new ships entering service then additional choppers can be purchased.
Industry are sick of waiting, and the public are sick of waiting and have every right to be worried about the poor management of this project so far. It has disaster written all over it!
Thoughts anyone?
Would this solution be feasible?
In addition to the 12 trooplift MRH-90 so far selected an additional 28 are purchased for the Army.
The 7 Seakings, 16 Seahawks and 11 Seasprites are replaced with 34 MRH-90 in a combination of trooplift and ASW.
The Chinooks should be upgraded to the latest version but marinised too to enable operations at sea, and then supplemented with an additional 4 new built Chinooks under AIR8000 to strengthen the squadron.
A single light utility chopper leased to train pilots from both Navy and Army.
This would give Army 40 trooplift choppers, 10 heavy lift choppers and 22 armed recon choppers. 12 Blackhawks could be retained and upgraded, 6 for east coast and 6 for west coast anti-terrorism.
Navy would have 34 MRH-90 (a mixture of ASW & trooplift) for a number of roles and supply lift. If more are required with new ships entering service then additional choppers can be purchased.
Industry are sick of waiting, and the public are sick of waiting and have every right to be worried about the poor management of this project so far. It has disaster written all over it!
Thoughts anyone?