September 29, 2011:
The Royal Australian Navy is leasing three Bell 429 helicopters for use in training pilots for the 36 new MRH90 helicopters that are on the way. The lease deal costs $26 million, for four years. The Bell 429s will arrive next year.
The 429 is a further civilian development of the U.S. Army OH-58 scout helicopter. The twin-engine, 3.1 ton 429 can carry eight people, including one pilot. The aircraft can carry a ton of cargo. Cruising speed is 273 kilometers an hour and endurance is about 2.5 hours. The 429 is generally used as an air taxi or for police work.