Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today welcomed to the national capital a MRH90 helicopter.

The MRH helicopter is replacing the Army’s Black Hawk and the Navy’s Sea King helicopters.

"The MRH90 represents a new generation of rotary wing aircraft that feature state-of-the-art fly-by-wire controls, fully digital ‘glass’ cockpits and composite fuselages," Mr Combet said.

"The weather radar, forward looking infra-red sensor and night vision devices are fully integrated to enhance the ADF’s ability to operate aircraft in challenging conditions. The MRH90 also has a large cabin space that carries seating for up to 20 troops.

"The MRH90 project which will see 46 aircraft introduced into service across Army and Navy. The MRH90 aircraft will be based at Army’s 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville and 6th Aviation Regiment in Holsworthy, Navy’s 808 Squadron in Nowra, and at the Army Aviation Training Centre in Oakey.

The helicopter was also inspected by the Chief of the Defence Force, Air Chief Marshal Angus Houston; Secretary of the Department of Defence, Dr Ian Watt; the Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Russ Crane; the Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, and hundreds of Defence personnel and members of the public.

The aircraft is heading home to Townsville having just successfully completed maritime trials to certify the aircraft for service at sea.

"It’s really exciting to be involved in such an important project. The trials went to plan and we're well on our way to accepting the aircraft for maritime service," said the Flight Commander, Lieutenant Commander Paul Hannigan.

Source: Australian Government