Andrzej Jeziorski/MUNICH
THE GERMAN NAVY has delayed and stretched out its procurement of the naval version of the EH Industries NH90 helicopter, creating a need for additional Westland Lynx purchases.
The navy had planned to operate its 17 remaining Sea Lynx Mk 88s until 2003 before replacing them with the naval NFH90. According to the German defence ministry, current budget plans have pushed the first NFH90 deliveries back to 2004, and deliveries of a total of 38 helicopters will be stretched out beyond 2010.
These delays come on top of earlier French doubts about the competitiveness of the multi-national programme and Italy's queries about its preferred power plant.
The expected signature of the production-investment contract has been pushed back, from 1996 to 1997, and the first deliveries of the tactical-transport TTH90 have been delayed, from 2000 to 2002.
Having recently expanded its frigate fleet with the introduction of the first of four type 123 Brandenburg-class frigates, and anticipating the entry into service of the new Type 124 frigate soon after the turn of the century, the German navy now has a Lynx shortage.
The navy says that it now plans to buy seven new Super Lynx helicopters, and upgrade the current fleet, to extend its operational use to the year 2012.
The Sea Lynx upgrade is intended to increase the life of the helicopter to 10,000h, modifying the rotor and reinforcing the airframe and bringing it "almost" up to Super Lynx standards.
Although the defence ministry stresses that no decisions on new purchases or upgrades have yet been finalised, the purchase of additional Lynx is listed as a second priority - after the NH 90 programme - in current budget plans.
The ministry adds, that a contract for delivery of the new Super Lynx, in 1998 or 1999, should be signed by early 1996.
Bonn and NH Industries deny reports published in the German press that the defence ministry is considering cheaper alternatives to procurement of the NH90. "We are sticking with the programme," says the ministry.
Source: Flight International
