Douglas Barrie/London
South Africa has set a May deadline for bids in its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) contest to replace Aerospatiale Alouette IIIs and for maritime helicopters for its planned 3,000t corvettes.
Eurocopter and GKN Westland are shortlisted for the six maritime helicopters, while Agusta, Bell Canada and Eurocopter are competing for the 60 utility helicopters.
The maritime requirement, say sources close to the procurement, is intended to provide the South African Navy with an anti-surface warfare helicopter. Eurocopter is offering the AS532SC Cougar, while Westland is proposing the smaller Super Lynx 3000.
The first corvette is due to be delivered to the navy by the end of 2002. The navy also intends to procure an anti-ship missile for the vessels.
The naval helicopter requirement includes radar and electro-optic sensors, with the primary role being surface attack. The aircraft would also have a secondary search and rescue capability.
In replacing the Alouette III, the South African Air Force is considering the Agusta 109, Bell 427 and the Eurocopter EC365. The LUH, say the sources, would be used for training, troop transport, casualty evacuation and communications. It may also be used for scout and targeting missions.
The helicopter and corvette requirements are part of a larger procurement package for which South Africa has solicited bids. These include the procurement of a combat aircraft, for which the Saab British Aerospace Gripen, the Dassault Mirage 2000 and Daimler-Benz Aerospace's proposed AT 2000 are being considered.
The air force is looking to have eight two-seat aircraft operational by the beginning of 2008.
Source: Flight International
