Portugal will in January 2005 announce its selection of an airframe type to meet a continuing requirement for around 10 armed light utility helicopters, and is again considering the possible acquisition of Eurocopter's EC635.
Lisbon previously placed an order for nine of the aircraft, but cancelled the deal in 2002 due to late deliveries and difficulties in clearing the type's weapons fit.
While it had ordered EC635s armed with the Raytheon TOW wire-guided missile, which has now been certificated on the aircraft, Portuguese military sources say the army's requirements have changed and the only armament foreseen are pod-housed 12.7mm and 20mm guns to be supplied by France's Giat Industries.
Eurocopter's EC635T1 could face competition for the renewed deal from AgustaWestland's A109MPower, which has been promoted in Portugal since last year. A Eurocopter official last week declined to confirm the current status of the programme, but notes that the EC635 "could be an answer" to Portuguese requirements.
Portugal's nine earlier EC635s were returned to Eurocopter following their delivery to OGMA for the integration of specialised mission equipment. The aircraft were subsequently sold to the Royal Jordanian Air Force.
VICTOR BARREIRA / LISBON
Source: Flight International