Australian Navy’sSeahawk ‘Romeo’ Completes First Of Class Flight Trails

The Royal Australian Navy’s first Seahawk MH-60R ‘Romeo’ has successfully completed First of Class Flight Trials, RAN announced Friday.

The helicopter was configured in a range of operational roles, which included the fitting of Hellfire missiles and torpedoes.

More than 72 hours of flight testing was conducted, including 245 deck landings on Perth both by day and night, with the pilots using night vision goggles on some approaches.

The integration of squadron personnel and equipment was also assessed so that lessons could be identified when operating the combat helicopter from an Anzac class frigate.

All of this data will enable the trials unit to recommend Ship Helicopter Operating Limits or SHOLs for various aircraft weights by day and night, including using night vision equipment.

Both HMAS Perth and the Romeo will be reunited later in the year, when personnel from the soon-to-be commissioned 725 Squadron will re-embark for Exercise Talisman Sabre 2015, after the trial data has been fully analysed and the operating limits endorsed.