Paul Derby
US helicopter manufacturer Kaman believes the improving economic climate in Asia-Pacific will open up a number of sales opportunities in the next 12 months and is looking to use show week to lay the foundations.
With programmes to supply Australia and New Zealand with the SH-2G Super Seasprite already well under way, Kaman is studying potential new business in Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines among others.
The SH-2G has been selected in Thailand to meet a six-aircraft requirement for maritime patrol helicopters but the deal has yet to be finalised due to the country's recovering economy. Kaman says it hopes to tie up that contract soon.
Meanwhile, Super Seasprites are also being offered to Malaysia, which is launching a programme to build offshore patrol vessels (OPV). Kaman will face off with GKN Westland, offering the Super Lynx.
Kaman argues that Malaysia should select the SH-2F as a bridge between retiring its Westland Wasps and launching a formal OPV competition. New Zealand has taken this option and is currently flying -F models in advance of the first -G deliveries next year.
On the heavy-lift front, Kaman says 2000 may be the year when the K-MAX aerial truck makes its debut in the region. It is already in service Japan, but the continuing expansion of the construction sector in Southeast Asia is likely to bring fresh business wins.
Source: Flight Daily News
