Australian Aerospace Delivers First Locally-Assembled MRH-90 Helicopter to Defence

Australias Project AIR 9000 achieved another significant milestone today when the Australian Defence Force (ADF) formally accepted from leading regional defence contractor, Eurocopter subsidiary Australian Aerospace Limited, the first locally-assembled MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter.>> The MRH-90 is the Australian variant of the NH90 Tactical Transport Helicopter (TTH), the other version being the NATO Frigate Helicopter (NFH) developed by NH Industries. A total of 46 MRH-90s are being acquired under Project AIR 9000 Phases 2, 4 and 6.> The first four aircraft fully-assembled in Eurocopters facilities in Europe have been delivered to the ADF over the past year, paving the way for todays acceptance of the first locally-assembled MRH-90, aircraft #005. The remaining 42 MRH-90s are being assembled by Australian Aerospace in Brisbane and will progressively be delivered until the end of 2014.>> The MRH-90 fleet will ultimately replace Australian Navy Sea King and Army Black Hawk helicopter fleets. The Commonwealth of Australia selected the MRH-90 not only to modernize but also to rationalize its military helicopter fleets with the aim of reducing the cost to Defence and generating leading-edge combat capabilities.>> The formal acceptance ceremony in Brisbane was witnessed by distinguished Australian and overseas guests, comprising of representatives from the industry (NHI*, Eurocopter, EADS, local aviation/aerospace companies), the Australian Defence Force, the diplomatic corps, the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) and other NH90 customers.