Paul Derby
A flurry of activity surrounds Agusta's A129 attack helicopter as the aircraft is shown at Paris.
With the Scorpion configuration already in the running for three of the world's most lucrative helicopter contests, the Italian army's A129s are also set to undergo a major upgrade to widen their combat role.
Italy's parliament has given the green light to an army request for L378 billion ($205 million) in funding to improve the 45 A129 Mangustas which currently operate as anti-tank machines.
The 45 aircraft in service are part of a 60-strong order from the army. The 15 outstanding helicopters will also be delivered with the uprated package which includes the five-blade main rotor of the 'International' export A129, an improved avionics and sensor suite and a 20mm nose mounted cannon. Raytheon Stinger air-to-air missiles will be provided.
The upgrade will kick off next year, continuing until 2006, and attention now switches to the competing equipment suppliers.
Lockheed Martin Electronics & Missiles is attempting to oust the existing electro-optic system by offering its target sight system (TSS) to the army. It incorporates the latest FLIR (forward looking infrared) technology and is compatible with the Boeing AGM-114 Hellfire missile.
The TSS is already part of the rival Bell AH-1Z upgrade programme.
Agusta says the A-129 Scorpion has been shortlisted for Australia's long-standing Air 87 programme to find an armed reconnaissance helicopter and is competing for two other contracts due to be settled by the end of the year.
Turkey is assessing six bids, including the Scorpion, for its $3 billion requirement for 145 attack helicopters, while Poland opened up another attack helicopter competition in the run-up to the show, calling for the supply of 50 machines.
A request for tenders is expected at the end of this month and a decision as early as October or November.
Source: Flight Daily News
