Engine issue casts shadow on choppers

NH90. Photo / Supplied

The military helicopters due to upgrade the Air Force have come under greater scrutiny after an entire fleet was grounded in Australia.

The Government has placed a $771 million order for NH90 helicopters, with an expected delivery date in 2011.

However, Australia's $4 billion fleet of the same model of helicopter, designated MRH90, has been grounded after one of the machines experienced engine failure on a training flight near Adelaide on April 20.

The twin-engined helicopter returned to base safely on one engine, but the armed forces have now admitted that the problem is so significant that the fleet has been grounded indefinitely.

Defence Minister Wayne Mapp said the Defence Force would not take delivery of helicopters which were known to be faulty.

"When something like this happens they tend to ground the fleet as a precaution. But these things occur in aviation, and I can't see it affecting the delivery of our helicopters," he said.

"I would certainly expect that if there is a systemic problem ... that the manufacturer will resolve it before we take delivery."

The Australian Daily Telegraph reported that the engine in the troubled helicopter, built by Rolls-Royce Turbomeca, suffered a catastrophic failure in its compressor.

The Air Force has ordered eight of the Nato Helicopter Industries' NH90s to replace its Iroquois fleet, some of which have already been retired.

The first of the French-made NH90s is due to be delivered for training, in France, in December. All choppers - plus one extra to be used for parts - should be handed over by April 2012.

Dr Mapp said the NH90s would form the "cornerstone" of the Defence Force's capability.

The grounding of Australian helicopters follows a critical report on NH90s by the German Army, which found serious deficiencies during training flights. The helicopters were found to have a weak rear ramp, a weak floor and a lack of clearance that could hinder troops' exit and entry.

ON ORDER

NH90

Manufacturer: Nato Helicopter Industries (Europe).
Cost: About $96 million.
Max speed: 300km/h.
Range: 780km.
Crew: Two pilots and one or two crewmen.
Capacity: 19 passengers.