ANDREW DOYLE / SINGAPORE
Competition for naval requirement cut down to Eurocopter Cougar, NH Industries NH90 and Sikorsky Seahawk
The Singapore Government has shortlisted the Eurocopter AS532SC Cougar, NH Industries NH90 and Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk to meet its requirement for a new naval helicopter to equip six La Fayette-class frigates. It has also issued a request for information (RFI) for its fighter competition.
Manufacturers still in the competition have been asked by the defence ministry to respond to a request for proposals (RFP) by the end of January with bids covering eight aircraft, clearing the way for a selection in 2002.
As part of the deal Singapore plans to take options on additional helicopters for use by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in the utility role.
The field was narrowed after AgustaWestland decided not to bid the Lynx, and EH Industries and US company Kaman were not invited to submit the EH101 and SH-2G Super Seasprite, respectively.
The EH101, at nearly 15t, is considered too large to meet the 10- to 12t-class helicopter requirement, while it is believed the smaller Lynx and Seasprite would have been unable to loiter on-station long enough with a full mission system and weapons load.
The NH90 is widely seen as the favourite to win the Singapore competition, but meeting the in-service date of 2005 could be a problem unless the French or Italian navies agree to surrender some early-delivery slots.
The fighter RFI has been issued for the Boeing F-15and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin F-16 and Sukhoi Su-35.
The RSAF is also seeking to replace its McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawks.
Planning calls for an RFP to be issued to a shortlist of bidders in 12-18 months, ahead of a final selection in 2004.
Source: Flight International
