TENDERS MADE FOR Australia's target-drone requirement will close in January 1996, with at least six companies expected to have submitted bids by then.
The Australian defence department is looking for an initial purchase of 20 drones. The defence ministry will also decide on an additional purchase to cover projected attrition rates.
The companies which are contesting the project are expected to include Raytheon Beech, with the AQM-107; local producer ASTA and Tracor, with the Jindvik; Alenia, with the Mirach Meteor; Aerospatiale, with the C-22; Teledyne Ryan, which is offering the Firebee; and Kentron, with its Skua.
Bidders say that the drone requirement demands a 60min endurance. This covers a transit-and-recovery flight time, along with a 30min flight duration with the target deployed.
Source: Flight International