ANDREW DOYLE / SINGAPORE
NH Industries is seen as favourite in competition to supply navy and utility machines
The Singapore Ministry of Defence is expected to issue a tender for a fleet of maritime and utility helicopters by the end of this year after receiving responses to its recent request for information (RFI).
The RFI, which outlined a requirement for eight naval helicopters to equip Singapore's La Fayette-class frigates, plus up to 13 utility versions, drew responses from NH Industries, offering the NH90; Eurocopter offering the AS532SC Cougar; AugustaWestland with an EH101 bid; Sikorsky with the S-70 Seahawk; and Kaman proposing the SH-2G Super Seasprite.
The Singaporeans appear to be leaning towards a helicopter in the 10-12t class, putting the EH101 at a disadvantage because it would be too large at 14t, say sources familiar with the RFI. The country aims to select a single type to equip the frigates and replace AS332 Super Pumas used on four landing ships.
A possible purchase of extra medium troop transports to replace Republic of Singapore Air Force Bell UH-1Hs could lift the requirement to more than 40 helicopters (Flight International, 15-21 May).
NH Industries is being widely tipped as the frontrunner in the competition, although questions remain over whether the consortium will be able to deliver an anti-submarine warfare (ASW)-equipped NH90 in 2005-07 as requested by Singapore. The EH101, meanwhile, would be able to carry a larger payload and offer longer endurance.
Sikorsky is believed to be offering the S-70B for the naval requirement, plus the international utility version of the S-70. Although smaller than the NH90, the S-70 is likely to be a less expensive option.
The RFI is understood to have specified that the maritime version should be capable of carrying 12 personnel and an ASW suite, or 20 troops in a utility configuration.
Kaman is looking at its options for meeting the utility helicopter requirement to boost its Super Seasprite maritime bid. Deliveries of the six French-built warships are due to begin by around 2005.
Source: Flight International
