Eurofighter Typhoon flights follow earlier study of Boeing F-15 and Dassault Rafale
Singapore has completed the flight evaluation phase of its next-generation fighter contest, as the city-state prepares to select a McDonnell Douglas A-4SU Skyhawk replacement by early next year.
Two Eurofighter Typhoons were evaluated in Singapore over two weeks from 6 July, following evaluations of the Boeing F-15 and Dassault Rafale earlier this year. All three aircraft were subjected to the same series of tests and will be scored on their performance.
Singapore's Defence Science & Technology Agency (DSTA) says it will further analyse the contenders over the next few months and send teams of engineers to each manufacturer to gather additional technical information. Thousands of pages of data were submitted in early March in response to Singapore's invitation to tender, but additional questions will be posed now that all the aircraft have been flight tested. Industry sources say this next phase is especially important for the Typhoon, since the UK Royal Air Force aircraft deployed to Singapore were not fully equipped. The aircraft could make a fly-by appearance at this week's Farnborough air show on their return from the deployment.
The DSTA expects to make a final selection in about six months, to be followed by a contract for eight to 12 aircraft with deliveries beginning in 2008. Follow-on purchases are also likely as Singapore retires its fleet of A-4SUs and possibly its Northrop F-5s ahead of possible deliveries of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
The DSTA has also launched an evaluation of the Eurocopter AS532C Cougar, NH Industries NH90 and Sikorsky S-92 vying for a six-aircraft naval helicopter contract. The companies submitted bids late last month and the DSTA says it will select a winner by next March. Bids submitted last year exceeded the programme's budget, prompting Singapore to reduce the weapon configuration for the latest round.
BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
