Squirrel Helicopter In-Service Support Contract

(July 29, 2009) -- Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science, today announced that the Defence Materiel Organisation (DMO) has awarded Raytheon Australia an In Service Support contract for the Squirrel helicopter fleet.

"The contract will provide management, engineering, maintenance, and supply services to the Navy under a single, more efficient and effective contract arrangement," Mr Combet said.


"This contract enables In Service Support services for the Squirrel helicopter to be maintained until its planned withdrawal late in the next decade.

"The Squirrel fleet is used for lead in helicopter training. The training role includes the conversion of all Navy pilots to rotary wing flying, preparation of pilots for operational flying and flying observers and aircrewman for their basic utility training.

"The contract is initially for five years, with four one year options to extend also included."

The annual cost of the contract will be approximately $9.5 million per year.

Source : Australian DoD