12 more RAN Seahawk Romeo's ordered.

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MikeJames
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12 more RAN Seahawk Romeo's ordered.

Post by MikeJames »

In case you haven't heard it, or did see it and wondered what the media were on about (one media organisation decreased them as 'gunships' FFS) Australia has ordered 12 additional SH-60R Romeo helicopters.

Navy already operate 24 of these helos in the ASW and anti-surface role, with MRH-90 Taipans used in the logistics / cargo role, however the Taipans that are maintained in a rotating pool by the Army (with the six in use by Navy retaining the Army's camouflage but having the word Navy instead of Army on the aircraft) have proven a major disappointment to Navy, particularly compared to the Sea Kings they replaced.

Basically they suffer from a litany of issues, including massive corrosion problems, are unfit for purpose and Navy has been exploring options to replace them for some time.

It appears these 12 new Seahawk's will replace the Taipan's undertaking support logistics operations from Stalwart and Supply, with several others operating from Canberra and Adelaide on deployment, leaving the remainder to rotate through maintenance at Albatross.

The ASW capability is apparently 'fitted for but not with', meaning the ALFS sonar system can be rotated as necessary between aircraft, but without it fitted it increases these new helo's cargo and lift capability.

The US Navy uses the SH-60S Sierra version of the Seahawk for logistics and cargo operations, basically a Seahawk with the Blackhawk style cabin and undercarriage, but production of that aircraft sub-type has ceased, so modifying Seahawk Romeos is the next best option available.

Cost for the 12 is AU$1.4 billion and will start entering service in 18-24 months.

This is probably the start of the death knell for the ADF's operations of the Taipan's, 47 of which were bought but have never performed adequately in service. Almost certainly they will be replaced by the latest version of the Black Hawks, which share commonality of engines and use much of the same 'glass cockpit' features with the Seahawks.

Dumping the Taipans, as well as the replacement of the Tiger attack helicopters with Apaches will bring to a close a sorry history of operating these Airbus-designed helicopters, neither has delivered the capability promised and neither can be considered truly operational, more than a decade after entering service. In fact the 47 Taipans were grounded for several months earlier this year while a recurring potentially critical engine / gearbox issue is isolated and fixed.

Mike
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