Request for proposals due early next year for helicopters to replace OH-6 fleet
Japan’s navy is preparing to launch a tender for 12 new training helicopters to replace its fleet of Kawasaki Heavy Industries/Hughes OH-6s. Industry sources say the navy is preparing the requirement and is expected to issue a request for proposals to manufacturers early next year. The winner will be selected by mid-2006.
The service is expected to opt for a twin-engined helicopter, but has yet to finalise its requirement and could instead specify a cheaper single-engine solution. It also briefly considered a leased solution, but this is not feasible unless Japanese procurement regulations are rewritten. AgustaWestland, Bell Helicopter and Eurocopter are preparing to offer their respective A109, 429 and EC135 helicopters if the twin-engined requirement is finalised.
Tokyo is not expected to require local production of the new trainer, although Kawasaki is trying to convince the navy to consider the BK117, which it co-developed with Eurocopter. However, the helicopter is expected to be excluded because it is too large.
Industry sources say the Japanese army is closely monitoring the programme and will launch its own competition within the next few years for 16 new trainers. The army currently operates over 100 OH-6s, largely for light utility missions, and could seek a new type to meet both its training and light utility requirements.
The army’s aviation unit faces a huge budget shortfall and is currently re-evaluating its helicopter fleet to determine whether it can terminate at least one of its five ongoing helicopter acquisitions.
BRENDAN SOBIE/SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
