The Royal Australian Navy’s Retention and Motivation Initiative (RMI) has moved into a new phase with the award of a new contract to Raytheon Australia.
The Retention and Motivation Initiative provides the Navy with supported aircraft to allow junior qualified aircrew to consolidate and enhance their skills prior to flying operational helicopters.
Under the new contract, Raytheon Australia will provide the Navy with three new Bell 429 helicopters for tasking for 1500 hours per annum.
The new helicopters will replace the current three A109E aircraft provided by Raytheon Australia under the existing RMI contract.
The award adds to Raytheon Australia’s pedigree with the RAN in rotary wing flight operations.
In addition to the RM I contract, Raytheon Australia provides turnkey support to the Navy’s 13 AS350 ‘Squirrel’ helicopters.
Together, these programs provide the Navy with 16 helicopters and 5,500 available flight hours per annum.