Marconi Avionics still wants to tender to supply the radar and avionics suite for the Chengdu FC1/Super 7 fighter, but says that it is prevented from doing so by a lack of information on a clearly defined weapon systems for the proposed joint Sino-Pakistan programme.
The UK manufacturer confirms it has not submitted a bid, but denies that the decision is linked to political differences between Beijing and London over the bombing of Kosovo. It is understood Marconi and its two competitors, Fiar and Thomson-CSF/Sagem, were given until the end of June to submit tenders.
"We've not refused to bid, but we have indicated to China and Pakistan that there are certain conditions that must be agreed before firm fixed pricing can be supplied. We need to have clear indications what the detailed weapons system requirements are," says Marconi Avionics managing director Alan Cook.
The terms of the FC1/Super 7 contract require that the successful contender be willing to invest as a risk sharing partner and recover its outlay over four years of production. This would entail a "significant investment" on Marconi's part to develop the Blue Hawk multimode radar and integrated sensor suite. One area of likely ambiguity is the desire of China and Pakistan to equip the fighter with a beyond visual range missile capability.
"Our bid is dependent on getting the appropriate export licences and we have started a dialogue with the UK Government. The first question it wants answered is what the specifications are," explains Cook, who says he has forwarded a letter to the programme office, seeking the appropriate additional information
Pakistan, for its part, appears keen for Marconi to bid for the work. "Marconi is apparently reluctant to participate in our programme-we have always been willing to consider its proposal," says Air Vice Marshal Hamid Khawaja, Pakistan air force Super 7 chief project director.
Source: Flight International