THE HON. GREG COMBET AM MP
Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science
Friday, 27 November 2009
112/2009
NEW MRH90 HELICOPTER VISITS THE CAPITAL
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.
Media note:
Imagery will be made available on the Defence website
Friday 27 November 2009.
Media contacts:
Rod Hilton (Greg Combet):
02 6277 7620 or 0458 276 619
Defence Media Liaison:
02 6127 1999 or 0408 498 664
NEWS 
