SINGAPORE HAS pushed back selection of a new multi-role aerial-refuelling tanker/transport aircraft until April, allowing the air force more time to re-assess its programme requirements.
Four competing bids have been submitted by Airbus Industrie, Boeing, Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) and McDonnell Douglas (MDC). A decision was planned for the end of 1995.
The proposed deal calls for the supply of two tankers and two additional conversion kits, including refuelling boom, underwing hose- drum units and cargo-handling fixtures. The lead aircraft would be modified by the selected contractor, with the remaining three tankers to be converted locally by Singapore Technologies Aerospace.
According to defence and industry sources, however, none of the tenders submitted fully meet the Republic of Singapore Air Force's (RSAF) pricing or operational requirements. As an alternative, the service is again looking at leasing US Air Force Boeing KC-135s.
The yet-to-be launched Boeing 767-200ER-based tanker/transport multi-mission aircraft and Airbus A310 multi-role tanker transport, together with the MDC KDC-10-30, came in over the required price. While the IAI-modified Boeing 707 was within the budget, it is not large enough for the RSAF's role.
Boeing is offering new 767s, while Airbus is proposing new or converted A310s. Singapore wants to avoid being the sole buyer of new equipment. Neither variant has yet been launched and both include new-design fly-by-wire refuelling booms.
MDC's offer is based on a similar converted KDC-10 configuration supplied to the Dutch air force. It carries almost double the freight and number of passengers compared to the 767, and is considered too large and "overt" for the RSAF. While the IAI aircraft is cheaper than the 767 or A310, the older aircraft is likely to incur higher operating costs.
Source: Flight International
