DAVID FULLBROOK / JAKARTA
Cash-strapped force wants up to 32 aircraft but may not be able to afford turbine models
The Indonesian police force's evaluation of single-engined helicopters is expected to result in an order for up to 32 patrol aircraft around mid-year, with a significant number to be delivered by September.
The turbine-powered Enstrom 480B and Schweizer 333 are understood to be favoured over the Eurocopter EC120 and piston-powered Robinson R44 Raven II.
The cash-strapped police force, which operates six Eurocopter BO105s, would like to equip each of its 32 regional units with a light helicopter to improve command and control, and undertake observation and patrol missions.
However, if a turbine-powered helicopter is selected, it will be difficult to meet this requirement because the budget - around $26 million - must also cover at least one year's on-site maintenance and engineering support.
Robinson's local agent, Helizona, is pushing a mix of Ravens and police versions of the R44.
On price, performance and maintenance support, the R44 beats its competitors, says Helizona's Robert Haubourdin, who feels the R44's reliability and simplicity will win the police over, given the remote areas to be covered.
Helizona also claims that it is the only supplier with full maintenance facilities, plus a pilot and mechanic training school. Robinson hopes a breakthrough sale in Indonesia will lead to new orders from police forces across the region.
A bias toward turbines may sway the order away from the R44, but a decision by the US Border Patrol to rewrite an RFP for patrol helicopters to include piston machines may help the Robinson types.
Source: Flight International
