Australia chosen for first helicopter testing centre in southern hemisphere

1 April 2011 AUSTRALIAN TRADE COMMISSION

Global helicopter company, AgustaWestland and the Australian arm of UK-based BAE Systems will jointly establish a state-of-the-art helicopter transmission testing facility in Australia, to take advantage of opportunities in the defence industry. Known as a Multi-Purpose Test Bench (MPTB), it will be the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere. The MPTB is a high-tech repair and overhaul facility for helicopter transmission systems and flight critical dynamic components.BAE Systems said it will deliver a critical in-country support capability to the Australian Defence Force. AgustaWestland considered several potential partners in Australia and it said BAE Systems was selected on the basis of its performance and track record in rotary wing maintenance and support. AgustaWestland Senior Vice President Government Sales, Giacomo Saponaro said: “With this team, we have brought together the world’s foremost rotorcraft capability provider in AgustaWestland, and one of the world’s most capable through life support partners in BAE Systems.” The facility’s location is yet to be decided but it is expected to be in regional Australia, opening by 2014.