The Australian Defence Force (ADF) has launched its requirement for an armed reconnaissance helicopter in a request for proposals (RFP) released to industry earlier this month. The total requirement is likely to be for between 25 and 30 aircraft, although airframe numbers are not detailed. Tandem seating is strongly preferred, but, the RFP does not preclude other options. The contenders are likely to include Boeing, with its AH-64 Apache, Bell, offering the AH-1 Cobra, Denel Aviation, with its CSH-2 Rooivalk and the Eurocopter Tiger. Kaman may enter the contest with a variant of the SH-2 Super SeaSprite, while Sikorsky may offer a variant of its Black Hawk.
Source: Flight International
