The ADF’s delayed MRH 90 helicopter will undergo a second ‘diagnostic review’ from next week, Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare has announced.
The announcement follows the completion of a first diagnostic review earlier this year, which in April recommended a second review be conducted to assess the effectiveness of the remediation plan for the program developed in partnership with prime contractor Australian Aerospace. The second review, which will determine if any further action is needed, will be headed by acting deputy CEO of the Defence Materiel Organisation, Harry Dunstall, and is due to report back by the end of October.
The MRH 90 program has faced a number of issues, including a high profile engine failure, transmission oil cooler fan failures and poor spares availability.
Just 13 of the 46 MRH 90s on order under Phases 2, 4 and 6 of the Air 9000 project have been delivered, with Defence suspending deliveries of the helicopters late last year while issues with the program are resolved.
This review will be Chaired by DMO’s Acting Deputy Chief Executive Officer Harry Dunstall and will report back by the end of October.
The first diagnostic review was ordered to address delays to the project due to a series of key issues including engine failure, transmission oil cooler fan failures and the poor availability of spares.
To date, 13 MRH-90 helicopters have been accepted by Defence and are currently being used for testing and initial crew training.
