Following Airbus’ investigation into the fatal crash of a German variant of the armed reconnaissance helicopter, Australia’s Tiger aircraft have been grounded, barring emergency purposes.
Defence has grounded the fleet of 22 Tiger ARHs after manufacturer Airbus Helicopters (AH) announced that, "despite the missing information and considering a sudden failure, Airbus Helicopters declares unsafe condition for all Tiger versions".
"AH can neither identify the part, the failure of which would lead to the accident, nor the origin of the failure. Consequently, AH is not in a position to propose a protective measure," AH said.
Two German peacekeepers were killed last month when a German variant of the aircraft crashed in Africa. It is believed the crash was caused by blades falling off the German helicopter mid-flight.
This is not the first time the aircraft has faced troubles. The Tiger has been under fire since last year when an Australian National Audit Office report revealed the Tigers are not available in sufficient numbers to give pilots the mandated minimum 150 flight hours a year.
Entry to service was scheduled for 2009 but was delayed by seven years, and replacements of the aircraft are already set to begin in the mid 2020s, but Defence maintains there will be no capability void.
Read the full story at Defence Connect