Alenia Difesa and Raytheon have responded to a Malaysian Government request for information (RFI) on the supply of mission systems for a pair of Lockheed MartinC-130 Hercules. The aircraft have been earmarked for maritime patrol use, replacing Raytheon Beech King Air 200s.
Sources say Malaysia intends to speed the upgrade of its maritime surveillance capabilities to counter piracy and terrorist activities.
Alenia and Raytheon are believed to have based their RFI responses on the latter's Sea Vue maritime surveillance radar. Malaysia requires the mission system to include a forward looking infrared sensor. Both companies declined to comment on the RFI.
The sources say Raytheon plans to offer Malaysia a pair of surplus Lockheed Martin P-3C Orions from the US Navy's inventory, and sell ground-based radars to cover coastal waters and reduce the number of airborne platforms required.
Embraer is marketing a maritime patrol version of its ERJ-145, equipped with a Raytheon radar, while Canada's Bombardier is proposing a marine patrol aircraft version of the CL-415 amphibian, equipped with a Saab Nyge radar and mission system.
Source: Flight International
