The US Army has launched the competitive phase of its $1 billion-plus light utility helicopter competition. Bids for the 322-aircraft order to fulfil the army’s general support needs on US bases are expected to include at least the AgustaWestland A109 Power or A119 Koala, Bell Helicopter’s 210, Eurocopter’s EC635 and UH-1 Huey upgrade kits from US Helicopter. The army has launched the competition despite an ongoing investigation into the improper transfer of internal programme documents to one of the contractors (Flight International, 26 July–1 August).
Source: Flight International
