AgustaWestland and BAE Systems have signed an agreement which will lead to the development of a world-class helicopter transmission test facility in Australia, which will be aimed at supporting ADF helicopters.
The Multi-Purpose Test Bench (MPTB) will be the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, and will provide a state-of-the-art, high-tech repair and overhaul facility for helicopter transmission systems and flight critical dynamic components. The site for the MPTB has not yet been chosen, but is expected to be operational by 2014.
“With this team, we have brought together the world’s foremost rotorcraft capability provider in AgustaWestland, and one of the world’s most capable through life support partners in BAE Systems,” said AgustaWestland senior vice president Government Sales, Giacomo Saponaro.
The facility will support the requirements for AIR9000 Phases 2, 4 and 6 and has the potential to support Phases 7 and 8 based on the platform, which is yet to be selected.
