PAUL LEWIS AND GRAHAM WARWICK / WASHINGTON DC
Combining maritime helicopter programmes with Sweden could save money
Lockheed Martin is urging Canada to accelerate the selection of a mission system integrator for its new maritime helicopter in a bid to align the programme with a similar Swedish requirement, which under the guise of the Nordic Standard Helicopter Programme (NSHP) has progressed nearer a conclusion.
Canada is in the pre-qualification phase of the Maritime Helicopter Programme (MHP) ahead of issuing prospective airframe suppliers a request for proposals (RFP) in November. Last year, the government separated mission system integration from helicopter supply. The mission system RFP is due to be released in August next year.
Lockheed Martin Canada is pressing Ottawa to speed up the MHP by scrapping the four- to five-month pre-qualification period and running the basic vehicle and mission system competitions in parallel, says president David Speer. By selecting an airframe and mission suite in late 2002, he argues, initial operational capability can be advanced from 2005 to early 2004.
Accelerating MHP would have the added benefit of bringing the Canadian programme into line with the Swedish element of the NSHP. Lockheed Martin says a joint mission system decision, irrespective of which platforms are selected by Canada and Sweden, would provide savings for both nations.
Canada plans to order up to 28 shipborne helicopters to replace its Sikorsky CH-124A Sea Kings, while Sweden needs 25 shore-based machines, some to be equipped for anti-submarine warfare to supplant its Kawasaki KV-107s. The Swedish requirement forms part of the larger NSHP, which shows signs of disintegrating in the face of diverging national requirements.
The NSHP candidate shortlist mirrors the expected line-up of MHP contenders, including the EH Industries EH101, either the Eurocopter EC725 Cougar or NH Industries NH90, and the Sikorsky S-92. Up to 12 companies could compete for the MHP mission system integration contract, including Lockheed Martin Canada, which had teamed with Sikorsky before Canada split the competition.
Source: Flight International
