Andrzej Jeziorski/WARSAW
British Aerospace is pushing its Hawk jet trainer in Poland as an alternative to the PZL-Mielec Iryda programme, which is teetering on the brink of collapse.
The campaign has been given an additional boost by the 11 March release of an invitation to tender for various airframe work packages for BAe military aircraft programmes, including the Hawk. BAe managing director Europe and North America, Alan Garwood, says that the packages are being offered to Polish industry regardless of any trainer procurement decision from the Government.
According to Garwood, BAe has subjected Polish aerospace manufacturers to intense scrutiny over nine months, and believes that the companies have much to offer.
"We have a sufficiently full order book that we need to find new, competitive [airframe component] suppliers. We are talking about a very long-term commitment," says Garwood. BAe is keen on placing Hawk work at PZL-Mielec, which recently achieved ISO9000 certification, and would offer the manufacturer a larger package, including final assembly, if the Hawk is selected to meet the Polish air force's trainer requirement.
"We have made specific offers to the Polish Government about Hawk. If they choose not to go for the Iryda, we think Hawk is a good alternative," says Garwood.
The Mielec company has cut its workforce from 28,000 in 1990 to about 10,000 - including about 3,500 in its aerospace division. With the Iryda programme at a standstill since September 1997, the company is desperate for work.
The Iryda programme has stalled amid mutual legal recriminations between the manufacturer and the Polish defence ministry. The six prototypes and 11 production aircraft handed to the air force so far remain grounded while arguments continue over funding for the flight testing of the intended new standard, upgraded M-96 variant of the aircraft.
BAe believes that a fleet of 24-36 Hawks could perform the training tasks the Polish air force planned to carry out with 48 Irydas.
Czech manufacturer Aero Vodochody is simultaneously promoting its new L-159 Advanced Light Combat Aircraft as a candidate for the requirement.
Source: Flight International
