RAN announces four year contract A109 x 3

[FlyNavy]

Royal Australian Navy announces four year contract operating three A109
helicopters 13-02-2007

Junior Aircrew from the Navy's Fleet Air Arm will soon be flying three
Agusta Westland A109E Multi-Engine helicopters that will be operated from
the Naval Air Station at HMAS Albatross, Nowra, NSW.

Following an in-depth tender and negotiation process, Mr Michael Ward
(Raytheon Australia) and CDRE Peter Jones (Commander Australian Naval
Systems Command) signed a four-year $24 million contract at the Fleet Air
Arm Museum on 8 December 2006 to deliver a 'Turn Key' style operation
beginning in March 2007.

The aircraft have been sourced from overseas. Two were acquired via Agusta
Westland Italy, which were previously operated by the Swedish Airforce, and
the third from a civil operator in France. All three aircraft will be
modified and repainted in military colours prior to acceptance by the Navy.

The A109E Power is a Single Pilot all-weather helicopter, fitted with modern
avionics and a full utility fit for general rescue operations. It will be
capable of conducting both day and night operations in multi-role tasks.

The Navy's "Power Flight" will provide junior qualified aircrew, graduating
from the AS350 Squirrel, with consolidation flying and skill enhancement
opportunities prior to transition to operation conversion on the Seahawk,
Seasprite and Sea King helicopters.

www.adf-serials.com/invboard/index.php?showtopic=527

Phil.

[flyjoe180]

Quite a styly looking helicopter too

[Calum]

Might see them in RNZAF colours soon as well

[beagle]

Like the part where they say transition onto......sea sprite listed....... maynot be

[Calum]

Well if Sea Sprite is canned they may need to get more 109's. The lack of seasprite flying is one of the reasons Navy has had to get these aircraft. All the aircrew have to do something