Partech Systems is proud to announce it has been awarded a contract by Australian Aerospace Limited for an upgrade to MRH90 Software Support Centre, which will be expanded if the NFH90 (NATO Frigate Helicopter) is chosen for the Air 9000 Phase 8 tender.

Partech, as leaders in the field of Avionics Test Equipment, was the logical choice for Australian Aerospace in carrying out the important task of incorporating the requirements of an entirely new aircraft into the existing support infrastructure.

Australian Aerospace is a wholly owned subsidiary of Eurocopter, and part of the EADS group of companies.  Australian Aerospace’s award of the contract to Partech is the first by the company within AIR 9000 Phase 8.

AIR 9000 Phase 8, the Future Naval Aviation Combat System calls for the replacement of the inservice Seahawk and cancelled Super Sea Sprite, with a single aircraft type.

Australian Aerospace’s offering the NH90 NFH is the most technically advanced helicopter in its class, featuring multi-role capability, fly-by-wire technology and an unmatched level of safety, meeting the Royal Australian Navy’s need for an advanced Helicopter Naval Combat System.

Mr John McKelvie, Managing Director of Partech Systems said “This contract represents a strong endorsement by Australian Aerospace of the electronics engineering capabilities within the Shoalhaven, particularly those that reside at Partech Systems.”

Partech is well known in the defence industry for its support of RAN Seahawk Avionics Systems, as well as for the company’s involvement in the Joint Strike Fighter Program and  Mr McKelvie added: “Partech’s capabilities straddle those required to support the ageing Seahawk Fleet up to the cutting edge technologies in aircraft such as the JSF and now the NH90 NFH aircraft.”

Mr McKelvie continued:“Australian Aerospace must be congratulated for demonstrating faith in Australian Industry, particularly at a time when other prime contractors are aggressively swallowing up work normally undertaken by the SME sector of the defence industry.  The work awarded to Partech by Australian Aerospace and its parent Eurocopter will be a vital boost to the Shoalhaven economy, providing jobs in high tech areas of electronics design.  The NH90 NFH will be an Australian assembled aircraft, with involvement from SME’s such as Partech.

“This contract award is clearly a winner for the local defence industry”.Partech Business Development Manager Mr John Higgins said: “Contract opportunities of this importance are few and far between for smaller companies. It is a tribute to Australian Aerospace that their support for local industry will lead to tangible benefits to Partech, assisting in the growth and retention skills that will be vital for participation in emerging defence programs”.