Australia looks at selling Sikorsky Black Hawk fleet, spares and support equipment

 

One of the Australian Army's S-70A-9 Black Hawk helicopter. Photo c/o Nigel Pittaway / Air International.


The Australian Ministry of Defence (MOD) has released a Request for Solutions (RFS) on 25 March 2021, with the intention of selling the Australian Army’s fleet of retired Sikorsky S-70A-9 Black Hawk helicopter fleet and all associated spares and equipment.


The Australian Army has started retiring its fleet of Black Hawk helicopters as they are replaced in service by the NHI Industries MRH-90 Taipan multi-role helicopter.


The Black Hawks will be fully replaced by the Taipan by December 2022.


The plan to sell the helicopters is still dependent to approvals by various US and Austraian government agencies, including US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR).


There are 29 S-70A-9 Black Hawks available, although it is expected that a maximum of between 25 to 27 units  are expected to be sold due to commitments to retain some, such as museum pieces. 


As of 05 March 2021, the Australian MOD has accounted 889,623 non-rotable and 12,390 rotable spare items with a total book value of A$47 million (US$35.8 million) and A$71 million (US$54.1 million), respectively.


The Australian Army S-70A-9 Black Hawk helicopters were acquired starting in December 1987, and are similar to the US Army’s UH-60A Black Hawk variant. 


39 units were originally put into service, although 5 units have been lost in accidents over the years.


These units were assembled in Australia by Hawker De Havilland, and commissioned into service with the Royal Australian Air Force’s 9 Squadron in 1988 before the battlefield helicopter capability was transferred to the Australian Atmy in 1989.





[1] Australian Defence Magazine

[2] Scramble Magazine


Australia looks at selling Sikorsky Black Hawk fleet, spares and support equipment Australia looks at selling Sikorsky Black Hawk fleet, spares and support equipment Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on April 13, 2021 Rating: 5

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