Fleet Air Arm
Association of Australia
A109E Helicopters
29 October 2007
The tempo of aircrew training at the naval air station HMAS Albatross has increased following the leasing of three Agusta Westland A109E helicopters.
The multi-engine A109E aircraft have had a military fit-out and are in service for the training of junior aircrew in the Royal Australian Navy.
The $24 million four-year leasing project was commissioned in December 2006, with the three aircraft sourced from France, Italy and Sweden.
Raytheon Australia is leasing the aircraft and will be responsible for aircraft maintenance during the contract.
The conversion to military specs, including fitting of additional radios, rescue hoist, cargo hook and repainting in RAN livery, was completed by Heliflight at Bankstown, NSW.
The A109E 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 multi-role operations both day and night.
The three helicopters are to be used to provide multi-engine helicopter training for pilots, observers and aircrewmen transitioning from the AS-350BA Squirrel to the heavier Sea King, Seahawk and Seasprite aircraft.
The aircraft will be used for a range of activities including consolidating flying skills, supporting fleet training, search and rescue, medical evacuation and personnel transfers.
The aircraft has twin full authority digital engine control (FADEC), retractable landing gear, a modern IFR cockpit and high-performance flight characteristics.
Although the aircraft can be certified as single pilot IFR, the aircraft will normally be flown with a crew of three, including a pilot, observer and aircrewman.
The A109E Flight is operating as a detachment of 723 Squadron.
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