PETER LA FRANCHI / CANBERRA
Air 9000 winner and EADS unit Australian Aerospace not guaranteed to scoop helicopter flying instruction deal
The Australian Army's long-delayed rotary wing flying training (RWFTR) requirement is to proceed as an open contest, rather than be assigned to the winner of its controversial Air 9000 project.
EADS subsidiary Australian Aerospace was last month announced as the winner of the initial Air 9000 troop-lift requirement, offering the MRH90. However, plans to rationalise the Australian Defence Force's helicopter fleet were placed under review. The army says: "While the Air 9000 solicitation process explored options for other phases of the programme, the intended approach is that the army RWFTR project proceeds to open tender." A draft tender for the requirement will be released during the second half of 2005, with a formal request to be released by mid-2006 ahead of a source selection and contract signature in late 2006 or early 2007.
The RWFTR project calls for the supply of "civil-like non-military rotary wing flying and maintenance training", potentially including loadmaster training and crash rescue support roles. The project also requires training courseware support and maintenance.
Official confirmation of the separation comes as Australian Aerospace and Eurocopter prepare to launch contract negotiations with Australia's Defence Materiel Organisation from 18 October. These will examine how the MRH90 bid, which was based on the supply of 40 aircraft, can be renegotiated for just 12 helicopters. Losing contender Sikorsky made its proposal on the supply of 48 aircraft, as mandated by the Australian government's national security committee.
Sikorsky was picked as preferred supplier for the full Air 9000 programme, but defence minister Robert Hill overturned the decision.
Source: Flight International
