Global Courant
SYDNEY – The Australian military said Friday it was abandoning its MRH-30 Taipan helicopter fleet ahead of schedule after one crashed into the sea in July, killing four crew members.
The fleet of more than 40 Taipan helicopters was grounded as investigators investigated the overnight crash, which occurred during war exercises off the Whitsunday Islands.
The aircraft was originally scheduled to be retired at the end of 2024.
The Taipans “will not return to flying operations” before that withdrawal date, Australia’s Department of Defense said in a statement.
The government said it was introducing a new fleet of 40 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, three of which had already started flying in September.
“The government’s top priority is the safety and well-being of our people,” Defense Secretary Richard Marles said.
“We continue to support the families of the four soldiers who lost their lives earlier this year, and the broader defense community.”
Australian officials have previously complained about the European-made Taipans, citing problems with maintenance and obtaining spare parts.
The fleet was grounded for a month earlier this year after one of its helicopters suffered an engine failure during a night training exercise, forcing the crew to dive into the ocean. AFP
Australia withdraws Taipan helicopters from service after crash
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