News Service from House Harris

Qld: New military helicopter launches in Brisbane

BRISBANE, Dec 18 AAP - Ageing defence force choppers are one step closer to the scrap heap after the launch of the first Brisbane-assembled replacement.

The MRH-90 Multi-Role Helicopter, which is bigger and better than the current crop of troop carriers, is set to replace the once elite Blackhawk helicopter and the 30-year-old Navy Sea King.

The fifth helicopter was formally welcomed into the fold in Brisbane today, paving the way for the remaining 41 to be assembled at the Australian Aerospace helicopter assembly facility in Brisbane.

Full production of the helicopters is normally done in Europe.

It's thought the MRH-90 will also replace the Navy's version of the Blackhawk, the Seahawk.

Parliamentary secretary for Defence Procurement Greg Combet said it had a larger cabin and greater speed and endurance than current troop lift helicopters.

"The first four aircraft were manufactured in France, air transported to Australia and are now based in Townsville with the 5th Aviation Regiment for training," Mr Combet said.

"The MRH-90 is the first fly-by-wire production helicopter in the world; it is equipped with a Forward Looking Infra Red System, an advanced weather radar and has the same helmet mounted sight and display as the Tiger Armed Reconnaissance Helicopter."

Having the single aircraft type taking over the role of different helicopters will streamline maintenance and training, which will save the defence force millions, a source told AAP.

The Brisbane-based assembly will also pour money into the Queensland, and Australian economy, he said.

The 46 helicopters cost about $4.2 billion.

The first two aircraft were accepted on December 18, 2007 and the ageing Blackhawk and Sea King fleet is expected to be phased out by 2015.