The ARH 2000 is a proposed Australian helicopter project that was intended to replace the Australian Army's UH-1 Iroquois helicopters. The project was initiated in the late 1990s and was expected to provide the Australian Defence Force with a modern, multi-role helicopter capability.
Background and Requirements
The Australian Army had been operating the UH-1 Iroquois helicopter since the 1960s, and by the 1990s, the fleet was in need of replacement. The ARH 2000 project was established to acquire a new helicopter that could perform a variety of tasks, including tactical transport, medical evacuation, and special operations. The requirements for the new helicopter included a high level of survivability, advanced avionics, and the ability to operate in a variety of environments.
Selection Process
The selection process for the ARH 2000 project involved a competitive tender process, with several helicopter manufacturers submitting bids. The contenders included the Eurocopter Tiger, the Boeing AH-64 Apache, and the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. After a thorough evaluation process, the Eurocopter Tiger was selected as the preferred candidate in 2001.
The Eurocopter Tiger is a multi-role helicopter that is designed to perform a variety of tasks, including attack, reconnaissance, and transport. The helicopter is equipped with advanced avionics, including a digital cockpit and a helmet-mounted sight. The Tiger is also highly survivable, with features such as composite armor and a crash-worthy design.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Length | 14.08 meters |
| Rotor Diameter | 13.00 meters |
| Height | 3.83 meters |
| Empty Weight | 3,060 kilograms |
| Max Takeoff Weight | 6,000 kilograms |
Production and Delivery
The production of the ARH 2000 Tiger helicopters was carried out by Australian Aerospace, a subsidiary of Eurocopter, at its facility in Brisbane, Australia. The first ARH 2000 helicopter was delivered to the Australian Army in 2004, and the final helicopter was delivered in 2010. A total of 22 ARH 2000 helicopters were produced for the Australian Army.
Operational History
The ARH 2000 Tiger helicopters have been operated by the Australian Army since 2004, and have been deployed on several operations, including the War in Afghanistan. The helicopters have been used for a variety of tasks, including tactical transport, medical evacuation, and special operations. The ARH 2000 has proven to be a highly capable and reliable platform, and has been well-received by Australian Army personnel.
The ARH 2000 has also been used for training and exercises, and has participated in several international exercises, including the biennial Exercise Talisman Sabre. The helicopter has also been used for disaster relief and humanitarian assistance missions, including the response to the 2010-2011 Queensland floods.
- The ARH 2000 has a crew of two, including a pilot and a co-pilot/gunner.
- The helicopter is equipped with a variety of sensors and systems, including a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensor and a helmet-mounted sight.
- The ARH 2000 is powered by two Rolls-Royce Turbomeca Adour Mk 871 engines, each producing 1,300 horsepower.
What is the primary role of the ARH 2000 helicopter?
+The primary role of the ARH 2000 helicopter is to provide a multi-role capability for the Australian Army, including tactical transport, medical evacuation, and special operations.
What is the range of the ARH 2000 helicopter?
+The range of the ARH 2000 helicopter is approximately 800 kilometers, depending on the mission configuration and payload.
In conclusion, the ARH 2000 Tiger helicopter has proven to be a highly capable and reliable platform for the Australian Army, providing a multi-role capability that has been used for a variety of tasks, including tactical transport, medical evacuation, and special operations. The helicopter has been well-received by Australian Army personnel and has been used for several operations and exercises, including the War in Afghanistan and Exercise Talisman Sabre.
