Defence Recruitment.com

MSPA 411/09    Thursday, 26 November 2009

What:    Interview and photo opportunity.

When:    Friday, 27 November 2009.  9:25am for a 9:30am briefing, followed by aircraft arrival at 10:00am.

Where:    The media briefing will be held in the R1 Theatrette at Russell Offices.  The aircraft inspection is in Blamey Square, Russell Offices ACT.

Who:    Director of Aviation Capability Implementation, Army, Colonel Neil Turton, will provide a presentation on the MRH90 Helicopter at 9:30am.  The aircraft Captain, Lieutenant Commander Paul Hannigan, RAN, will be available for interview shortly after the aircraft lands.

Background:
The MRH90 project which will see 46 aircraft introduced into service across Army and Navy, and is intended to replace the Army Black Hawk helicopter and the Navy Sea King helicopter fleets.

The MRH90 represents a new generation of rotary wing aircraft, and features fly-by-wire controls, fully digital 'glass' cockpits and composite fuselages. 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 has a large cabin space and carries seating for up to 20 troops.

The MRH90 aircraft will be based at Army's 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville and 6th Aviation Regiment in Holsworthy, at Navy's 808 Squadron in Nowra, and at the Army Aviation Training Centre in Oakey.