Volunteers rally to save Australian MRH‑90 Taipan helicopters from scrap, suggest aid for Ukraine
"The collective efforts of the Australian community could save these precious helicopters that a country in dire need of military equipment could greatly benefit from," former soldier Chris Moore stated, according to Australian media reports.
1:29 PM EST, February 8, 2024
Australia plans to scrap the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters
The subject of potentially transferring the MRH-90 Taipan helicopters to Ukraine has garnered significant attention in recent weeks. Australian authorities have argued that these helicopters are in extremely poor technical condition, and Ukraine's request to acquire them arrived too late. However, they deny any delay in the request, suggesting a possible misunderstanding between diplomats. The Australian authorities' decisions have drawn criticism from different quarters, including ex-military personnel, analysts, journalists, and observers of the conflict in Ukraine.
Sources such as ABC NEWS reported on the willingness of several individuals to voluntarily contribute towards rebuilding the grounded MRH-90 Taipan fleet. They quote statements from ex-soldiers and engineers, including Stuart Mooney, a former Airbus technical support employee. Mooney said he would gladly "offer his services for free to reassemble the MRH-90 for Ukraine if the government reconsidered their decision to scrap them".
ABC NEWS also reported that sources with knowledge of the scrapping process say that a small number of MRH-90s might be repairable and made airworthy. However, they mention that many of the helicopters have been dismantled, so repairs are now unfeasible.
About the MRH-90 Taipan helicopter
The Australian authorities have decided to scrap a total of 45 MRH-90 Taipan helicopters, citing safety concerns and operational issues. A fatal crash involving an MRH-90 Taipan in late July 2023, where four Australian soldiers lost their lives, is often referenced.
The MRH-90 Taipan is a versatile helicopter, an Australian variant of the European NH90. It's equipped with two engines (either a Rolls-Royce Turboméca RTM322-01/9 or a General Electric T700/T6E1) boasting a combined power of over 4,000 horsepower. This helicopter has a weight of 14,110 lbs, and its cabin can accommodate two pilots along with as many as 20 passengers.
When fully operational, an MRH-90 Taipan has the potential to reach a top speed of 186 mph and ascend to heights up to 19,685 feet. Its standard weaponry includes a 7.62 mm machine gun, but the helicopter can also carry air-to-ground rockets and anti-ship missiles.
