GERALD BUTT / NICOSIA
Iraq targeted as prime customer for patrol aircraft to protect vulnerable oil pipelines
Australia's Seabird Aviation has formed a joint venture with a Jordanian industrial development body to assemble the SeekerSB7L-360 low-level observation aircraft in the kingdom for regional distribution.
The venture, with King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau, is called Seabird Aviation Jordan. It plans to have its first Seeker SB7L-360 operational by the end of next month, and three more aircraft by the end of the year. Output in 2004 is expected to total 20 aircraft, assembled at the Marka air base in the Jordanian capital Amman. From 2006, production will rise to 60 aircraft a year, with the company installed in new facilities at Queen Alia International Airport.
Seabird Aviation Jordan received its first commercial order earlier this month, from the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, for two Seeker SB7L-360s. The aircraft are due for delivery in 2004 and 2005 and will primarily be used to monitor shipping in and out of Jordan's Red Sea port.
The company is, however, looking for sales in countries throughout the Middle East and North Africa, with a particular focus on oil-producing states where the Seeker could be used for pipeline patrol and inspection duties, especially in Iraq, where oil pipelines are highly vulnerable. "The company has its eye very much on the Iraq market," says Alec Mackenzie, Seabird Aviation Jordan's director international and commercial affairs. "But the potential is good in the Gulf states as a whole for both pipeline and power line inspection work."
The Textron Lycoming 0-360 B2C-powered Seeker is certificated to FAR 23 and has a bubble cockpit reminiscent of that of the Aerospatiale Gazelle. Seabird says the acquisition and running costs of a Seeker "typically will be one-third of a comparable twin-seat helicopter, and it is ideal for missions which are low, slow and often" because of its endurance of 7h 15min at minimum patrol speed.
Source: Flight International
