Eurocopter subsidiary, Australian Aerospace Limited’s Brisbane assembly plant has delivered the first of a planned 42 locally-built NH90 multi-role helicopters (MRH) to the Australian Defence Force (ADF). It joins four other MRH90s that were delivered fully assembled from France.
The formal acceptance in December of the “Made in Australia” MRH90 #05 was witnessed by a large gathering of distinguished Australian and overseas guests, comprising representatives from the industry (NHI*, Eurocopter, EADS, local aviation/aerospace companies), the ADF, the diplomatic corps, the NATO Helicopter Management Agency (NAHEMA) and NH90 customer countries.
Addressing the ceremony, Mr. Dominique Maudet, Eurocopter Executive Vice President of Governmental Helicopters, said: “The delivery of the fifth helicopter is clear evidence that the Government’s AIR 9000 Phases 2, 4 and 6 program is building in Australia an outstanding helicopter manufacturing capability. The MRH90 program, through a comprehensive Australian Industry Capability program, will generate 400 highly-skilled new jobs in Australia and inject 1.34 billion Australian dollars into the national economy. A 10-year though-life support program will also be carried out in Australia.”
Formally accepting MRH#05, Major General Tony Fraser, head of Helicopter Systems Division, Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO), said: “The acceptance of the first MRH90 to be assembled in Australia is the culmination of years of work by the Australian Aerospace, Eurocopter and defense teams. Adding to the four European manufactured aircraft already accepted, it will increase the project flying rate, which is so critical to developing the navy and army’s operational capabilities of the MRH90 for our sailors, soldiers and airmen."