Australian Aerospace has delivered the ADF’s 15th MRH 90 Multi-Role Helicopter, the second MRH delivery in the two weeks since the program was placed on the government’s projects of concern list.
The MRH 90 will replace Army’s Black Hawks and Navy’s Sea Kings under Project Air 9000 Phase 2, 4 and 6. Australian Aerospace is due to produce 46 of the medium lift helicopters, which are based on the Eurocopter NH90 TTH.
A pair of reviews this year concluded that significant technical issues have left the project running about two years late and facing the prospect of further delays. The delays will force Army to extend its Black Hawk fleet and Navy to generate an additional flight from its already stretched Seahawks. The MRH 90 was placed on the projects of concern list despite Australian Aerospace having agreed to a remediation plan on November 24.
Australian Aerospace cited the delivery of the two recent helicopters as evidence that it was overcoming the program’s hurdles. “It augers well for the program’s future and is a strong sign of our commitment to delivering the capability to Defence,” Jens Goennemenn, the company’s CEO, said in a statement.
