Source: www.defence.gov.au / Australian Defence Dept Royal Australian Navy formally inducted the NHI MRH-90 Taipan Multi-Role Helicopte...
Source: www.defence.gov.au / Australian Defence Dept
Royal Australian Navy formally inducted the NHI MRH-90 Taipan Multi-Role Helicopter into the Australian Defence Force Fleet during a commissioning ceremony at HMAS Albatross, near Nowra, NSW. The ceremony also marked the formal induction of 808 Squadron to operate the MRH 90 helicopter.
This commissioning ceremony culminated after three years of training, testing, development and trials to bring this new generation, high-tech aircraft into service. ADF will receive a combined total of 46 MRH90s for its army and navy.
Commander of the Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Tim Barrett said the Navy would use the aircraft for the maritime support role previously carried out by the now retired Sea King helicopter, while the Army would use it to replace its Blackhawk helicopters as a battlefield and special operations support helicopter.
The first two aircraft were accepted into service in Brisbane on 18 December 2007.
808 Squadron was previously commissioned into the RAN during the 1950s when it operated fighter aircraft from the Navy’s aircraft carriers HMA Ships Sydney and Melbourne.
The re-commissioned 808 Squadron not only inherits its predecessor’s crest, battle honours and motto Strength in Unity, but also its legacy of operational excellence, courage under fire and of breaking new ground in naval aviation
In the future, these aircraft will also operate from the Navy’s new 27,000-tonne Landing Helicopter Dock amphibious ships Canberra and Adelaide.
When completed, the MRH90 will be available for two air mobile squadrons, one special operations support squadron, and one maritime support helicopter squadron able to provide air mobile and maritime support capability to the ADF from land bases as well as the Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ships.
The MRH90 utilises the latest technology including composite materials and fly-by-wire systems.
Royal Australian Navy formally inducted the NHI MRH-90 Taipan Multi-Role Helicopter into the Australian Defence Force Fleet during a commissioning ceremony at HMAS Albatross, near Nowra, NSW. The ceremony also marked the formal induction of 808 Squadron to operate the MRH 90 helicopter.
This commissioning ceremony culminated after three years of training, testing, development and trials to bring this new generation, high-tech aircraft into service. ADF will receive a combined total of 46 MRH90s for its army and navy.
Commander of the Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Tim Barrett said the Navy would use the aircraft for the maritime support role previously carried out by the now retired Sea King helicopter, while the Army would use it to replace its Blackhawk helicopters as a battlefield and special operations support helicopter.
The first two aircraft were accepted into service in Brisbane on 18 December 2007.
808 Squadron was previously commissioned into the RAN during the 1950s when it operated fighter aircraft from the Navy’s aircraft carriers HMA Ships Sydney and Melbourne.
The re-commissioned 808 Squadron not only inherits its predecessor’s crest, battle honours and motto Strength in Unity, but also its legacy of operational excellence, courage under fire and of breaking new ground in naval aviation
In the future, these aircraft will also operate from the Navy’s new 27,000-tonne Landing Helicopter Dock amphibious ships Canberra and Adelaide.
When completed, the MRH90 will be available for two air mobile squadrons, one special operations support squadron, and one maritime support helicopter squadron able to provide air mobile and maritime support capability to the ADF from land bases as well as the Canberra Class Amphibious Assault Ships.
The MRH90 utilises the latest technology including composite materials and fly-by-wire systems.
