Thread: The new Multi Role Helicopter

Here is a link to the ANA Report on DMOs (Defence materiel Organisation) of the Eurocopter NH90. This aircraft has been purchased to replace the Army's Blackhawk fleet and the Navy's Seaking. We are supposed to eventually purchase 46 of these. I am off to do my course next week. The few that we have accepted are costing $72000 an hour to run. I think of particular interest is Appendix 6. The cost of spares. Remember this in Euros. Next time you whinge about the cost of LR parts spare a thought for the poor Aussie taxpayer. Surely the French are having a lend.


[ame="http://anao.gov.au/~/media/Files/Audit%20Reports/2013%202014/Audit%20Report%2052/AuditReport_2013-2014_52.pdf"]http://anao.gov.au/~/media/Files/Audit%20Reports/2013%202014/Audit%20Report%2052/AuditReport_2013-2014_52.pdf[/ame]

MOTS (Military, Off the Shelf) generally is, the trouble begins with MOTSTFP (MOTS FUBAR by Politicians).
The ADF/ DMO loves Euro vehicles and equipment, they are generally better then USA stuff. THEN Pollies want interoperability with our major ally and 'Look at the local content' bragging rights.
So things get screwed by attempts to intergrate NAS warfighting networks, IFF and control systems. Aaaaand, 5 years later the MRH90 still flies over every couple of months as they try something new to make the Frankencopter operational. I actually give a little cheer when I see the ARH Tiger actually in the air 2-3 times a year!

Collins class
SeaSprite
Nary SOV
GWagen
MRH90
ARH Tiger
Don't start me on the F22s!
And lots of smaller projects.

FUBAR is SOP. The only reason we have effeective systems is a triumph of ingenuity and commitment from techs over Policy and Directives