AGREEMENT SEES MULTI-ROLE HELICOPTER PROGRAM BACK ON LINE

Australia’s MRH90 helicopter program has received a significant boost with an agreement between the Commonwealth and manufacturer, Australian Aerospace, on a collaborative approach to continue delivery of the world’s most advanced multi-role helicopter.

Yesterday, Brisbane-based Australian Aerospace and the Defence Materiel Organisation signed a deed for the MRH90 Program which initiates a remediation plan to bring the program back on line following a number of challenges over recent months.

Commenting on the agreement, Dr Jens Goennemann, Chief Executive Officer Australian Aerospace, said: “Unfortunately, the MRH90 Program has been hampered with problems not uncommon with complex defence procurements, but the signing of this deed is a significant step forward in achieving our goal of remediating these issues and continuing helicopter deliveries.”

A total of 46 MRH90s have been ordered by Defence to replace existing Black Hawk and Sea King helicopters. Of these, 13 helicopters have already been delivered to Navy and Army.

The deed provides a key pathway for the aircraft to become ready for use in a battlefield environment.

Said Dr. Goennemann: “The signing of the deed provides the Commonwealth with more surety as it plans for future rotary-wing operations and is also a sign of good faith that the Commonwealth, Australian Aerospace and our industry partners are committed to delivering this very important capability to the Australian Defence Force”.

About Australian Aerospace:
With more than 1100 staff in Australia and New Zealand, Australian Aerospace has access to the financial strength and expertise of Eurocopter and the EADS Group.

At its production facility on Brisbane Airport, Australian Aerospace currently is assembling and delivering 22 Tiger ARH armed reconnaissance helicopters to the Australian Army and 46 MRH90 multi-role helicopters to the Army and Navy.

In addition to its helicopter capabilities, Australian Aerospace supports the Royal Australian Air Force’s (RAAF) AP-3C Orion reconnaissance aircraft and C-130J Hercules transports. The company is also involved in supporting the RAAF’s new Airbus A330-based Multi-Role Tanker-Transport (MRTT) aircraft and F/A18 (Classic) Hornet fighters.

Further Information:
Nathan Pick – Australian Aerospace (07) 3637 3906 / 0439 676 909
Ted Porter – Australian Aerospace (02) 9436 0200 / 0418 468 269