Posted on 06/20/2006 8:58:34 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
Defence to spend $2b more on choppers
Mark Metherell
June 19, 2006
AUSTRALIA will buy almost four times as many military helicopters as previously ordered, at an extra cost of $2 billion.
The Defence Minister, Brendan Nelson, is expected to announce today that the Australian Defence Force will add 34 of the European MRH-90 multi-role helicopters to the 12 on order.
The decision follows protracted problems with helicopters in the Defence Force, highlighted by the Sea King crash in Indonesia last year in which nine Australian military personnel were killed. The crash prompted the disclosure of poor maintenance standards for the ageing machines.
The introduction of Super Seasprite helicopters, at a cost of $1 billion, was thrown into doubt earlier this year after delays that have blown out to five years.
The MRH-90 helicopters, deliveries of which begin late next year, will be for use by both the army and the navy.
Some of the MRH-90s will be based at HMAS Albatross at Nowra, ending speculation that the base could be closed with the phasing out of the Sea King from 2010.
Another group of the helicopters will go to Holsworthy army base in Sydney, while a larger number will be based at Townsville, replacing the Black Hawk helicopter which is to be phased out from 2015.
The large-scale purchase of a European product is unusual for Australia, which has tended to favour American machines.
An American Sikorsky helicopter was considered but the MRH-90 was chosen because it was thought to be better at filling the multiple roles required of it by the Defence Force.
It will replace two helicopters in current use - the Black Hawk used by the army and the navy's Sea King.
The Government has already indicated it plans to reduce the number of types of helicopter operated by the Defence Force from the present 10.
A defence source said that a significant factor in selecting one machine suitable for both land and maritime roles was that it would rationalise training, maintenance and other support functions. The helicopter can carry up to 18 troops as well as four crew.
The MRH-90 is equipped with the latest technology and a rear ramp that can be used to load small vehicles. It is also designed for amphibious operations.
Dr Nelson has said previously that if Australia were to choose to acquire more MRH-90s, they would offer synergy with the army's 22 Tiger helicopters, produced by the same company.
When the original 12 MRH-90s were ordered two years ago for delivery next year, the Government stated that they would allow the reallocation of a squadron of Black Hawk helicopters to the Sydney area to support special forces in the event of a terrorist attack.
They should buy "American Choppers."
But it's UGLY. Which is probably why this one was cancelled as well.
Euro-peon military equipment ahead of American?
Interesting to note the Aussies' buyer-bureaucrats are still taking bribes.
And that the Euro-peons are still paying them.
No roll-on-roll-off capability on the US bird.
Plus YOUR bribes were too low...or were the moral standards of your military-size government-side weapon producing industry too high? ^^
Where does it say that Eurocopter offered bribes????The Aussies went for this product because it offers considerable commonality with the attack helo,the Eurocopter Tiger.The Aussies have setup infrastructure to assemble the Tiger & this can also be used for the MRH-90.Besides,Australia is evaluating 2 European(French & Spanish) amphibious assault carrier designs.Both countries are part of Eurocopter & the MRH-90 will be on their ships.
Lastly,the MRH is a newer system than the Blackhawk.
Kaman SH-2G(A) 
Ordered 1997, Late, over budget, below specification, In service no time soon
Eurocopter Australian Tiger 
Ordered 2001 On Time, within budget, within spec, In service now
They should buy "American Choppers."
Fool me once: shane on me. Fool me twice.... you can't get fooled again
Did you read this?Eurocopter is going all out to make this thing look more attractive to the export market.Methinks Turkey & India are in their sights.
'Eurocopter Tiger integrates Israeli missile'
http://www.idrw.org/index.php?categoryid=10&p2_articleid=128
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