Tiger Reaches Initial Operational Test and Evaluation

13 Oktober 2009

The 1st Aviation Regiment will now focus on team training with multiple aircraft and utilising the sensors and weapon systems of the Tiger. (photo : Australian Defence)

Tiger Reaches IOT & E Readiness Milestone

The Tiger ARH project has reached a critical milestone, with Greg Combet, Minister for Defence Personnel, Materiel and Science announcing that the chopper has reached the Initial Operational Test and Evaluation Readiness milestone.

This marks the point where the project transitions focus from individual flying, maintenance and support qualifications to collective training and development of Army Aviation warfighting skills.

"The crews of the 1st Aviation Regiment in Darwin will now focus on team training with multiple aircraft and utilising the sensors and outstanding weapon systems of the Tiger in the combined arms environment of the landforce battlespace," Combet said.

"The Tiger is made of high-strength lightweight composite materials and it incorporates a number of cutting-edge technological and digital systems that required extensive certification and integration efforts by both the Commonwealth and the prime contractor, Australian Aerospace.

"The integration of the US Hellfire missile system to the Tiger has been very successful, providing the aircraft with exceptionally accurate firepower out to eight kilometres by day and night.

"Based on the Australian success integrating the Hellfire missile, France has announced their intention to fit this weapon system to their next version of the Tiger helicopter."

(Australian Defence)