Get all the coverage from Farnborough air show on our dedicated landing page
Although admitting it was “expecting to have a bigger role” in upgrading the British Army’s AH-64D Apache fleet, Leonardo's helicopter division believes the UK government still recognises its strategic importance.
On 11 July, the Ministry of Defence awarded a $2.3 billion deal to Boeing for 50 examples of the newer E-model Apache, to be acquired via the US government's Foreign Military Sales mechanism, freezing out Leonardo’s Yeovil facility from the deal.
It may still be awarded a sustainment contract for the helicopters, and also signed a “strategic partner agreement” (SPA) with the government.
“Of course we are not happy,” says Daniele Romiti, head of the helicopter business, “but a key point is to have signed the SPA.”
As part of this deal, its Yeovil, UK site will develop a new rotary-wing unmanned capability for the Royal Navy.
Leonardo will perform a number of tests with its SW-4 Solo, “in which we have to demonstrate the capability the MoD is looking for”.
As yet there is no indication of the RN’s potential requirement in terms of numbers or the weight-class of any platform, says Romiti.
The Solo has a maximum take-off weight of 1.8t, but the unmanned technology could be applied to other, heavier platforms, he says, while ruling out a clean-sheet design.
“There is always a trade-off between costs and mission requirements. The more you ask for range, endurance and payload you are determining the size of the helicopter,” says Romiti.
He is hopeful of a detailed requirement “sooner rather than later”, because “the demand is quite clear in terms of operational needs”.
In addition, if the system can be sold more widely, “Yeovil could be location for unmanned” within Leonardo’s helicopter operation.
The company has previously attempted to make the UK site a centre of excellence for search and rescue helicopters, with moderate success.
The AW189 on display on the Farnborough static display is one of 10 aircraft to have been assembled at Yeovil for customer Bristow Helicopters for operation in the UK. This will be handed over to the operator next week.
Source: Flight Daily News
