A remediation plan is recommended after a full diagnostic review of Australia’s MRH-90 Multi Role Helicopter Program.
The review recommended that Defence work with the contractor, Australian Aerospace, to implement a remediation plan to improve the availability of the helicopters by addressing engineering and reliability issues.
Project delays brought on the review, which was ordered in February by the Minister for Defence Stephen Smith and the Minister for Defence Materiel Jason Clare.
The delays were due to a series of key issues including engine failure, transmission oil cooler fan failures and the poor availability of spares.
As reported in both the Defence Annual Report and the Australian National Audit Office Major Project Report released last year, the project has suffered delays of 12 months for the Navy’s helicopters and 18 months for the Army’s helicopters.
Independent specialists supported the review that was chaired by Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Defence Materiel Organization Warren King.
The project will be the subject of a further diagnostic review later this year to examine the effectiveness of the action taken and whether further action is necessary.
To date, Defence has accepted 13 MRH-90 helicopters that are currently being used for testing and initial crew training.