5th Aviation Regiment forced lease helicopters
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Army’s aviation capability has been enhanced with two Leonardo AW139 helicopters joining the 5th Aviation Regiment in Townsville.
CAPTION: A Leonardo AW139 helicopter flown by pilots from the 5th Aviation Regiment at Lavarack Barracks, Townsville. Photo by Corporal Brodie Cross.
The two leased AW139s will be used to support Defence’s major exercises and training, and assist with emergency response activities including during the high-risk weather season.
The helicopters have similar performance to the MRH90 and will be used to support aircrew development and currency requirements when combat aircraft are not available.
The contract with Helicorp Pty Ltd (Toll Helicopters), has met all milestones, with training, aircraft serviceability and flying-hour requirements exceeding expectations.
Commander Army Aviation Command Major General Stephen Jobson said the AW139 contract would ensure Army aircrew were ready for operational tasking.
“The Army interim commercial helicopter capability will provide Army aircrew with flying proficiency and currency training on an advanced digital aircraft,” Major General Jobson said.
“Maintaining these advanced digital cognitive skills is essential for operating complex modern combat helicopters now and into the future.”
The contract for the two leased Leonardo AW139 helicopters covers training, maintenance, logistics and continuing airworthiness support.
The initial contract ends on June 30, 2023, with options for two 12-month extensions.
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Hi Brian,
Spot on mate, these Choppers should be PURCHASED but don’t just buy a couple buy TWO DOZEN..
These Choppers will be used to “assist with emergency response activities including during the high-risk weather season.”
My call is that the reason for the quick leasing of them is PRIMARILY for this reason (ie: in country emergency services, East Coast only of course)
You do know that there is not one Military Helicopter of any shape or size in WA, a state that has its fair share of emergency events as well.
If there were 2 dozen of them, who knows a couple may sneak over to the west.
I will put on and pay for the party if that ever happens. WA has as much chance of getting any real Army and Air Force as I do of getting a date with “EL”
Merry Christmas and please publish my email if you would, I am always happy with the truth. !
Reading about the leasing of the leasing of the Leonardo AW 139 aircraft does make me wonder why we didn’t just buy them to start with?? How many times must the troops on the ground suffer because of decisions made by bean counters in far away places not remotely connected to the Army’s operations aspects? For goodness sake get rid of these interfering trolls in Defence who contribute nothing but hardship to the guys who actually have to do the work.