The MRH90 is a customised version of Eurocopter’s NH90 NFH (NATO Frigate Helicopter).
As part of First of Class Flight Trials, MRH90s 007 and 008 recorded more than 200 deck landings, and during 52.2 hours of flight time performed 520 trial-related evolutions simulating operations at sea.
Australian Aerospace assembles the MRH90 and CEO Dr Jens Goennemann said the trials have been a great success.
“There’s been very positive feedback about the MRH90 from the pilots – especially its handling and the way the aircraft’s fly-by-wire control system reduces the pilot workload,” he said.
Meanwhile, in January Australia played host to an Italian Navy-operated NH90 NFH (above), the world’s most technologically-advanced naval combat helicopter.
Couried from Europe aboard the world’s largest fixed-wing aircraft, the Antonov An 225, the NH90 NFH was exhibited to senior defence personnel, government officials and business leaders, and took part in an Australia Day fly-over over Sydney Harbour.
Australian Aerospace and NHIndustries are offering the NH90 NFH as the new naval combat helicopter to replace the RAN’s current fleet of ageing Seahawks and the cancelled Super Seasprites.
The NHIndustries NH90 NFH variant shares 80 per cent commonality with the MRH90, currently entering service with the Australian Defence Force.
Dr Goennemann says the NH90 NFH would deliver the highest possible capability for the RAN.
“It has been specifically designed to meet the latest multi-role military requirements and carries out both ship-borne and land-based operations,” he says.
“The NH90 would provide a ready-to-serve naval combat solution and take Australian naval aviation to a new level of capability and performance.”