Defence Update – New Helos for Army?

Australian Army Seeking A Modern Reconnaissance Helicopter

The Australian Army is in the process of seeking a new reconnaissance helicopter to support the Australian Defence Force’s Land Force in northern Australia. The helicopter order, for a machine likely to be in the 3.5 to 5 tonne class, could number between a minimum of 24 to a maximum of 50, and cost several hundred million dollars. A Project Definition Study (PDS) is now underway into options for the provision of enhanced aerial surveillance, reconnaissance and fire support roles. Known as Project Air 87, the programme, with the Year of Decision put at 1997-98, and deliveries expected to run from the year 2000 to 2006, will offer a significant improvement over the current capability.

In a briefing recently, Lieutenant Colonel Paul Coulthard, Deputy Director, Army Aviation working in the Force Development (Air) Branch within the Headquarters of the Australian Defence Force, outlined that surveillance of northern Australia is considered to be a key defence capability. “Surveillance and reconnaissance over land, to detect and monitor hostile forces, are an important part of this key capability,” he said. “Project Air 87 seeks to enhance aerial surveillance, reconnaissance and fire support capabilities for land forces.”

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