Singapore has issued a long-awaited request for information for its advanced jet trainer (AJT) competition, giving manufacturers two months to clarify any doubts and respond to the requirement.
Industry sources say the RFI was sent to Alenia Aermacchi for the M-346, BAE Systems for the Hawk 128 and Korea Aerospace Industries for the T-50. A selection could be made in early 2009, with the trainers coming into service in late 2010 or early 2011.
With all three aircraft due to be on display at the Singapore air show next February, an invitation to tender could be issued in early 2008 and the list reduced to two aircraft for trials soon after.
However, the nation's air force will hold a separate competition to select a prime contractor responsible for running the programme, and to deal directly with the selected manufacturer.
Industry sources say this will be decided after the aircraft is selected, but candidates could include Boeing, Bombardier, Lockheed Martin, Singapore Technologies Aerospace and Thales. ST Aero will also provide maintenance support to the successful bidder.
Singapore now uses about 16 McDonnell Douglas A/TA-4SU Skyhawks for advanced training in Cazaux, France. It is unclear how many trainers are required, but sources say the air force could acquire extra AJTs to take over some training missions now performed with fighters. Bidding companies will be asked for their recommendations on whether to continue training in France.
The new advanced trainers will help prepare Singapore for its future combat fleet, including at least 12 Boeing F-15SGs and, probably, the Lockheed F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
KAI is pushing hard to export its T-50, and is likely to offer significant discounts to the type's international launch customer. The aircraft was jointly developed with Lockheed, which leads a team selected last year to deliver Singapore's basic wings training system with 19 Pilatus PC-21s.
Alenia Aermacchi, meanwhile, is seeking its first export sale of the M-346, and BAE wants to cement its position in Asia after earlier successes with the new-generation Hawk in Australia and India. The M-346, Hawk 128 and T-50 are also contesting the United Arab Emirates' AJT requirement, with in-country flight evaluations imminent.
Source: Flight International
