Aircraft
NH-90 Helicopters Doing Better in Australian Service
After years of complaints, the Australian army is reporting improved reliability and reduced maintenance on its MRH-90s.
The Australian army is preparing to introduce the MRH-90 in support of special forces operations. (Photo: Mike Yeo)
The Australian army is preparing to introduce the MRH-90 in support of special forces operations. (Photo: Mike Yeo)

Ten yers after taking delivery of its first NH Industries (NHI) NH-90 helicopters, the Australian Army is finally preparing to use them in the most demanding role. Because of poor performance issues, the army unit that supports operations by the country’s special forces was obliged to retain its Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawks. But now the 6th Aviation Regiment is planning to introduce the type—which is designated and named the MRH-90 Taipan in Australia—in 2019. The Army is enjoying increased flying hours and reduced maintenance hours on the type in 2017.