Aircraft
Australian Helicopter Needs Discussed at Avalon Show
Boeing and Bell displayed candidates; there was also some A330MRTT news and a fast jet support contract announcement.
The Australian Army wants to replace its troubled fleet of Airbus Helicopters Tigers. (Photo: Mike Yeo)
The Australian Army wants to replace its troubled fleet of Airbus Helicopters Tigers. (Photo: Mike Yeo)

Australia’s search for a new armed reconnaissance helicopter to replace the Army’s troubled Airbus Helicopters Tiger fleet was a major topic at the Avalon Airshow, held near Melbourne from February 28 to March 5. The show also featured—as expected—the first Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Lockheed Martin F-35A Lightning II and Boeing EA-18G Growler. The RAAF’s Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and Leonardo C-27J battlefield airlifter also made their Avalon debuts.