Argentina prematurely decommissioned more than 40 MRH-30 Taipan helicopters after a helicopter crash at sea

In the summer of 2023, an MRH-30 Taipan helicopter crashed. After an investigation, the Australian military decided to get rid of all Taipan aircraft.

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The incident occurred in July. The helicopter fell into the sea during a military exercise, resulting in the death of four crew members. After the crash, a decision was made to temporarily suspend MRH-30 Taipan flights.

Earlier, Australian authorities complained about maintenance difficulties and limited availability of spare parts for European helicopters. In early 2023, the Taipan suffered engine failure during a night exercise, forcing the crew to jump into the ocean.

An investigation into the July crash led to the decision to retire the MHR-30 Taipan. Australia's fleet consists of more than 40 helicopters. Decommissioning was originally scheduled for the end of next year.

Australia intends to replace the Taipan with the Sikorksy UH-60M Black Hawk. The first three of the 40 US-made helicopters began flying last month.

Source: Barron's