South African missile house Kentron is considering development of an air-launched anti-ship variant of its SAHV naval surface-to-air missile to arm the South African Navy's future maritime helicopters.
The GKN Westland Super Lynx 300 and the Eurocopter AS532SC have been shortlisted to meet the Navy's requirement for six helicopters to complement its planned purchase of four frigates.
The request for proposals (RFP), say sources close to the programme, calls for the helicopter to be armed with an autonomously guided anti-ship missile with a range of 15km (9 miles). The RFP also notes that a Kentron-developed anti-ship missile is the preferred choice, although bidders are also expected to offer alternatives.
The Lynx bid will also include the Matra BAe Dynamics Sea Skua, while the Eurocopter AS532SC is cleared to carry the Aerospatiale AM39 Exocet.
An announcement on the choice of helicopter may emerge by the third quarter of this year. Kentron confirms that it is looking at the feasibility of developing an anti-ship variant of the SAHV, but adds that considerable funding, thought to be in the region of $100 million, would be needed to develop fully an anti-ship variant of the SAHV. Seeker options for an anti-ship variant include active radar and imaging infrared guidance.
Procurement of the anti-ship missile is understood not to be included as part of the initial helicopter package. Some sources suggest that this may be to provide Kentron with the time to develop the SAHV variant, if it decides to go ahead.
Kentron may look for partners to help fund development of an anti-ship SAHV variant, as it is doing with its A-Darter fifth generation short-range air-to-air missile.
Source: Flight International