Denel is optimistic that negotiations with the Malaysian government over the provision of eight Rooivalk attack helicopters will re-open by mid-year.
The potential deal is on hold because of Malaysia's current economic problems, but both parties say that the decision to buy has been made and that it is now a case of ironing out the financial package.
Priorities
Malaysia's defence minister Hamid Albar told delegates at the Langkawi International Maritime Aerospace Exhibition held in Malaysia last December: "With our current financial situation we have to look at priorities."
Denel executives at Asian Aerospace (Stand C204) confirm that an innovative finance package is being put together which would allow the deal to be financed using a basket of currencies.
Denel marketing manager Trevor Ralston says: "We're applying no time pressure on the Malaysian government at all. We recognise the difficulties they are experiencing and will do everything in our power to come up with a suitable solution."
Denel is also upbeat about its chances of winning the race to supply the Republic of Singapore Air Force with its requirement of up to 30 attack helicopters. Although observers suggest that the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow might have the edge, the South African craft is ideally suited to the role, says Denel.
Dr Tony Tan, Singapore's deputy prime minister and minister for defence, spoke of the need to equip the republic with a fleet of attack helicopters during his speech at the opening of Asian Aerospace '98.
"The RSAF will proceed to acquire a small number of attack helicopters and will be calling tenders in the coming months," he says.
Denel says it plans to use Asian Aerospace to build closer links with other potential customers in the region, including the Australian Air 87 programme to supply the Australian army with up to 24 aerial fire support reconnaissance helicopters.
Priorities
Denel points to the Rooivalk's payload and range abilities coupled with its 'hot and high' capability as factors which might put it ahead of the competition.
The Rooivalk development programme is now entering phase two qualification trials on the pre-production model.
Construction of the first aircraft for the South African Air Force (SAAF) production run is on schedule, says Denel, and operational testing will begin in 1999. The Rooivalk is due to start service with the SAAF next year.
Super Lynx sales talks in final roundsGKN Westland is targeting the second half of 1998 to complete its contract negotiations with the Malaysian government over the provision of up to six Super Lynx Series 300 helicopters.
Westland says it is happy with the progress of discussions which are looking at specification, price, delivery and payment schedules.
The Super Lynx was selected late last year, ahead of Kaman's SH-2G Seasprite, Sikorsky's SH-60B Seahawk and S-76N and the Eurocopter Dauphin.
Chris Loney, Westland director of public affairs, says the company recognises the economic problems in Southeast Asia but expects the helicopter market to experience less severe problems than other sectors.
Loney confirms that Westland is pursuing other opportunities for the Super Lynx in this region.
Indonesia has a requirement for up to nine shipborne helicopters for maritime patrol and a similar size contract is up for grabs in the Philippines, again for shipborne aircraft.
In both cases, the customers are evaluating the aircraft.
Source: Flight Daily News
