An MRH-90 helicopter from 808 Squadron silhouetted against the sunset on the flight line at HMAS Albatross.
The Multi Role Helicopter (MRH-90) replaced the existing Black Hawk and Sea King helicopter fleets in the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The MRH-90 had increased and improved capability, ability and capacity to meet emerging requirements and have been acquired for the Royal Australian Navy and the Australian 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 use the latest technology including composite materials and fly-by-wire systems that 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.
Specifications
 |
| 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 |
|