MRH-90 Taipan
 |
| Type |
Multi Role Helicopter |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer |
Australian Aerospace (Eurocopter subsidiary) |
| Number in use |
6 (from a pool of 46 shared with the Australian Army) |
| Origin |
Europe (as part of the NH Industries consortium) |
| Length |
16.13 metres |
| Height |
5.23 metres |
| Weights |
|
| Speed | 300 kilometres per hour (maximum) |
| Range |
800 kilometres |
| Crew |
2 pilots, 2 loadmasters |
| Engines | 2 × Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-01/9 turboshaft, 1,662 kW (2,230 shp) each |
| Performance |
|
Multi Role Helicopter
The MRH-90 multi-role helicopter replaced the ADF's existing Black Hawk and Sea King helicopter fleets with increased and improved capability, ability and capacity to meet emerging requirements. 46 MRH-90 aircraft have been acquired for the Navy and Army.
The first two aircraft were accepted into service in Brisbane on 18 December 2007 in a ceremony attended by The Hon Greg Combet MP, Parliamentary Secretary for Defence Procurement.
The MRH-90 capability has more built-in safety features that meet or exceed the ADF's requirements and utilise the latest technology including composite materials and fly-by-wire systems that will provide more efficient maintenance.
The MRH-90 will be available for two airmobile squadrons, one special operations support squadron, and one maritime support helicopter squadron, 808 Squadron, able to provide airmobile and maritime support capability to the ADF from land bases as well as the Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ships.
Aviation Support trainees practice winching operations with HMAS Adelaide's embarked MRH-90 helicopter, Poseidon 29.
A Royal Australian Navy sailor is lowered to the casing of HMAS Collins from an MRH-90 Maritime Support Helicopter while sailing in the Bay of Bengal during AUSINDEX 2019.
An MRH-90 helicopter from 808 Squadron is silhouetted against the sunset on the flight line at HMAS Albatross.
