Company poised to drop 210 for more powerful model
Bell Helicopter may switch the aircraft it plans to offer the US Army for a $1.3 billion contract for 322 light utility helicopters (LUH). Industry sources say the company is expected to drop the 210 model and offer the twin-engined 412EP. Bell insists the 210 LUH is still the basis for its proposal, but admits the 412EP would be considered if the army indicates it wants a more powerful twin-engined aircraft. The company has marketed the 210 as the quickest solution with the lowest cost.
The army has hundreds of Bell UH-1Hs in its inventory that can be refurbished to the 210 standard, and Bell has plans to build a facility in Tennessee to perform the work. However, US Federal Aviation Administration certification for the 210 was delayed by several months before approval came in July and a source says the interruption disrupted efforts to prepare for the LUH proposal.
Most of Bell’s competitors are already basing their proposals on twin-engined aircraft. EADS North America says Eurocopter’s EC135 light twin fell short of some of the army’s performance requirements, so it offered the heavier EC145. Lockheed Martin has teamed with MD Helicopters to offer the twin-turbine MD 902 Explorer. AgustaWestland also plans to participate, but has not said if it will offer the single-engined A119 Koala or the A109 Power twin.
It is not clear how a shift to a twin-engined type will affect the army’s ability to afford an order for 322 aircraft. The Bell 210 is expected to cost about $3 million per aircraft, which easily fits with the army budget. A twin-engined aircraft costing perhaps $4-6 million each may force the army to reduce the order number or seek more funding.
The service is seeking the LUH fleet to perform basic airlift and disaster relief missions mainly in the USA. The LUH will not be exposed to battlefield conditions, but will relieve the logistics burden on the army’s Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk utility helicopters.
STEPHEN TRIMBLE/WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
