Formal request for proposals to be released later this year but selection may take years
Singapore is considering opening a competition later this year for a new basic trainer, but a selection may not occur for several years because of budget constraints and the need to also select a new advanced jet trainer (AJT).
Several manufacturers, including Korea Aerospace Industries, Pilatus and Raytheon responded to a request for information for the basic trainer requirement in 2002. Singapore air force officials told the manufacturers at last month's Asian Aerospace 2004 air show that the programme has been delayed, but would not say for how long.
However, the service indicated at a recent military training conference that it aims to release a formal request for proposals this year and is considering several acquisition options, including lease and private finance initiative agreements. These would allow Singapore to get around a budget crunch which is believed to be blocking a straight purchase in the near term.
Industry sources say a selection could be made as early as next year, but that Singapore can afford to delay the programme by another year or two, given that the Aermacchi S211s scheduled for replacement are undergoing a service life-extension programme.
Air force chief Lim Kim Choon says the upgrade programme will extend operations of the aircraft until the second half of this decade and "allow the S211s to continue meeting our needs while we review and study training requirements".
The air force operates its fleet of almost 30 S211 jets from Pearce AFB in Australia under a contractor-run service managed by BAE Systems Australia. Singapore is understood to favour a high-end turboprop for the replacement. It also has a future requirement to acquire a new AJT to replace its fleet of almost 20 McDonnell Douglas TA-4SU Skyhawks, which operate from Cazaux air force base in France.
"The A-4 is good as an AJT, but it is old and expensive to operate," says Maj Kum Wah Leong from the air force's flying training branch. "We are looking for an AJT with an advanced cockpit, modern avionics, reasonable performance and low operating costs," he told IQPC's Military Flight Training conference in London late last month. He says, however: "We don't need 9g and supersonic performance."
Manufacturers believe Singapore will start evaluating AJT designs after concluding its next-generation fighter competition next year. The new fighter will replace its fleet of A-4 strike aircraft.
Singapore also has a requirement for a new light helicopter type to replace its Eurocopter AS550 Fennec trainers.
CRAIG HOYLE / LONDON &BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
