Flight International online news 12:00GMT: EADS North America has put itself forward as a prime contractor for a major US military contract for the first time.
Photo: EADS
The company is offering the UH-145, a modified version of its Eurocopter EC 145, for a $1.3 billion contract as part of the US Army's Light Utility Helicopter programme.
In all, the US Army is seeking to acquire 322 off-the-shelf aircraft for non-combat transport missions.
Competition for the contract is hotly contested. Rival bids have come from the Bell Helicopter Bell 210, the Lockheed Martin/MD Helicopter MD Explorer and either the AgustaWestland A119 Koala or A109 Power.
STEPHEN TRIMBLE/WASHINGTON DC
Source: Flight International
