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The Australian Defence Force has moved to develop and confirm procedures for UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to operate from the Royal Australian Navy’s Canberra Class landing helicopter dock warships.
The first-of-class flight trials, to be conducted off the East Coast of Australia for the Australian Army’s UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters, have already begun with aircraft deployed to HMAS Canberra LHD at Fleet Base East.
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Forty UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters are being delivered to the Australian Army under Project LAND 4507 to replace the already-retired MRH90 Taipan transport helicopter fleet. Fifteen Black Hawk helicopters are currently operational in the Australian Army.
“Defence is conducting landing helicopter dock first-of-class flight trials for the Australian Army’s UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters to develop and confirm procedures required for a new type of aircraft to operate from an Australian Navy Canberra Class LHD,” according to a statement from Defence.
“The trial enables Army Aviation to confirm ship helicopter operating limits and embarked procedures, whilst also supporting deck-landing qualifications, conventional embarked operations and special operations training.”
Earlier this year in February, the Australian Defence Force achieved initial operating capability of the Australian Army’s UH-60M Black Hawks.
Fifteen months after the first aircraft commenced flying in 2023, the completion of essential testing, evaluation and training activities has occurred alongside the establishment of a robust fleet support and maintenance system. At that time, a further seven aircraft were scheduled for delivery in 2025, with all 40 aircraft scheduled for delivery by 2030.
