Australian Department of Defence, Navy's Seahawk helicopter squadrons will be provided with night vision capabilities to increase crew safety and the ability to carry out search and rescue operations more effectively at night.
Defence Minister Robert Hill said the $5.45 million project will be over two years and will provide night vision goggles to all Navy Seahawk aircrew as well as external lighting to the entire fleet of 16 Seahawk helicopters.
The night vision capability is the first phase of Project 1809 and will contribute to the overall upgrade of the Seahawk helicopters, which will boost the Navy's aviation capability, particularly during joint operations.
“The new night vision capability will greatly increase the capability of the Navy's 816 Squadron based in Nowra, allowing low level night operations over both land and sea,” Senator Hill said.
“The capacity for these Seahawk helicopters to conduct search and rescue operations at night will be increased and the safety to the aircrew during any night time operations will be improved.”
“It will also increase the Seahawk squadron's expertise in tactical night time flying, as well as open up more opportunities to work within Coalitions during night time operations and exercises.”
The project will provide training for aircrew, spares and test equipment. Opportunities for Australian industry exist with the integration and installation of the equipment, and through life support.
This capability is expected to be in Service from financial year 2007/08.
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