BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Schweizer Aircraft is poised to develop a new five-seat version of the turbine-powered Schweizer 333 and ramp up production to support a possible sale of about 17 aircraft to Indonesia's police force.
Industry sources say the Enstrom 480B was Indonesia's original choice, but having identified problems with the US manufacturer's finance package, it has been unable to award the contract.
The selection of the five-seat Schweizer 333 could be announced this week. But sources now suggest the police could instead delay the acquisition and consider new alternatives, including the PZL Swidnik Kania.
Indonesia has a $17 million budget to acquire16 to 18 helicopters within 10 months, although a second competition may be held next year to meet its requirement for 35 machines.
A 333 selection would be a big boost for New York-based Schweizer, which has only been producing a couple of the type a year. The contract would require Schweizer to immediately ramp up production and begin manufacturing a five-seat version. The 333 cannot seat more than four at present, but Schweizer has designed a five-seater for Indonesia and is prepared to seek a supplemental type certificate for the new variant.
Meanwhile, the Indonesian police have selected the Raytheon Beech 1900D in a separate competition for fixed-wing aircraft, according to industry sources. Raytheon is planning to deliver two 1900Ds by 1 July as part of a $14 million contract that includes training, maintenance and spares.
Source: Flight International
