Paul Derby
Crunch time is approaching for Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden as the four nations seek to decide on a common airframe for the proposed Nordic Standard Helicopter Programme.
The end of June is the cut-off point when an inter-government agreement must be signed opening the way for a request for quotations later this year.
Industry sources say the programme might have to continue on a bilateral basis, with Finland and Denmark the most likely to press ahead at this stage.
The diversity of missions that the countries need the aircraft to cover means that, if a single core helicopter is identified, it will need a number of 'off-shoot' modules to meet the full requirement.
Funding
Finland has the most immediate need, as it has already retired its Mil Mi-8 fleet.
The Danish ministry of defence also expects to have funding for eight aircraft to replace search and rescue Sikorsky
S-61 Sea Kings. The Danes are also looking for five helicopters to perform heavy lift operations.
Estimates on the total number of aircraft required by all four nations vary between 50 and 100 aircraft. Much depends on type selection. Other missions include transport and shipborne anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare.
Meanwhile, EH Industries used a recent air show in Finland to showcase the Anglo-Italian EH101 medium-lift helicopter which is being offered for the Nordic requirement.
The aircraft completed a 54h flight programme in Denmark, Finland and Sweden over a 10-day period.
Ron Jones, head of European business at GKN Westland Helicopters, says: "This has been an ideal opportunity for the team to demonstrate in representative operating environments, that the EH101 is the aircraft of choice."
Source: Flight Daily News
