Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has delayed the selection of a foreign partner for its Korea Helicopter Programme (KHP) until at least the end of this month, but remains confident a contract can be signed by year-end. AgustaWestland, Bell Helicopter and Eurocopter are competing to help KAI develop the 6,800kg (15,000lb) utility helicopter and manufacture 245 aircraft for the South Korean army.
KAI was initially scheduled to select a contractor at the end of last month but instead informed the three contenders before the Seoul air show that it will not issue its recommendation to the defence ministry until the end of October. Industry sources say the manufacturers, which were prohibited from speaking publicly about their proposals during the show, doubt a contract can still be negotiated and approved by year-end.
Sources warn that if the programme slips until next year it could be cancelled by a new civilian-run procurement agency to be established within South Korea’s defence ministry.
KAI chief executive Hae Joo Chung, however, says the current schedule is fixed and its target for a contract by year-end remains feasible. Eurocopter is believed to be favoured by KAI because it is offering the best package, but some factions within KAI and the defence ministry believe the AgustaWestland solution, based on the proposed A149, better fits the requirement (Flight International, 13-19 September).
Bell is considered a long shot unless the programme is restructured because it is not offering the new design that is sought by South Korea.
“We question the strategy of taking an all new clean sheet approach when there’s a need for an aircraft in 2011,” says Bell chief executive Michael Redenbaugh.
Source: Flight International