New Zealand’s defence ministry has released an invitation to compete for a new fleet of training and light utility helicopters to replace its army Bell 47 Siouxs. The project seeks an in-production type certificated for all-weather day and night operations. Wellington late last year said that the new aircraft should enter service in 2006, but this schedule remains dependent on government approvals and the completion of negotiations with Eurocopter for the supply of NH90 transports. The two projects have a combined value of around NZ$560 million ($400 million).
Source: Flight International
