Two ADF MRH 90 helicopters recently completed first of class sea trials with HMAS Manoora off the coast of Tasmania.
MRHs A40-007 and 008 performed more than 200 deck landings during the trials, operating from the Manoora‘s three helicopter landing spots. More than 520 trial evaluation test points were completed, with the helicopters operating at weights of up to nine tonnes. The helicopter’s serviceability rate was higher than 77 per cent, according to MRH 90 prime contractor Australian Aerospace.
The trials also validated that the MRH 90’s fly-by-wire flight control system will allow it a wider parameter of ship operation limits compared to existing types such as the Sea King and Black Hawk.
Separately, a MRH 90 recently landed on a Navy Anzac class frigate which was alongside at Garden Island in Sydney. That trial successfully validated the MRH’s ability to fit in, and be worked upon inside, an Anzac class frigate’s hangar.
So far the ADF has taken delivery of eight of the 46 MRH 90s on order.
