Malaysia may not make a final decision on its choice of a maritime helicopter for its two new-build frigates until the middle of 1997, despite clear indications that a variant of the Westland Super Lynx is favoured.
First Admiral Mohd Anwar Mohd Nor, the Royal Malaysian Navy Inspector General, says that a final Government decision is not expected until mid-1997, although the Navy Air Wing has already made its technical evaluation.
The helicopters will be operated from the two Yarrow-built frigates ordered for Malaysia. The helicopters' roles will cover anti-surface warfare, maritime surveillance, over-the-horizon targeting and a limited anti-submarine-warfare mission.
The main competition faced by the Lynx is the Kaman SH-2G Super Seasprite. Although the current hangar design does not allow a helicopter larger than the somewhat "squat" Lynx to be accommodated, modification could allow room for a larger helicopter.
Ultimately, the Navy Air Wing will also require helicopters for 27 new patrol vessels, to be delivered in phases. Mohd Anwar says that the Navy would prefer to operate just one type of helicopter, but evaluation of the aircraft will be undertaken as a separate exercise in the future.
The Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) is also looking at helicopters for transport and attack, although an early decision is unlikely - especially on the transport side. The RMAF has 33 Sikorsky S-61 Nuris helicopters in service, which will need eventual replacement. A requirement for 40 helicopters has been identified, but no timeframe for replacement given by the Government.
The attack-helicopter contest is being fought over by Denel, with its Rooivalk; McDonnell Douglas, offering the AH-64D, Eurocopter and its Tiger, and Mil, with the Mi-28.
Lynx: favoured, but not on Malaysian decks yet.
Source: Flight International
