South Korea is on the verge of reopening its competition for an attack helicopter to replace some of the army's Bell AH-1 Cobras. Previous attempts to launch the competition have been thwarted by the region's economic crises.
Meanwhile, companies in a similar competition in Turkey expect a delay in selection, amid increasing speculation that Ankara may order a further stage of selection.
Around 30-40 attack helicopters are required by the South Korean army. Previous attempts to launch the competition in 1997 and 1998 were stymied by Korean financial problems, but industry expects the request for proposals to be issued on 7 March.
It is expected that the RFP will be released to the same companies which received the 1998 request. Competitors will be the Agusta A129I Mangusta, Bell AH-1Z SuperCobra, Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow, Denel CSH-2 Rooivalk, Eurocopter Tiger, Kamov Ka-50/52 and an armed version of the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, which is licence-built by Korean Air.
South Korea chose the AH-64A in 1992 but failed to sign a letter of acceptance for 37 helicopters.
Meanwhile, industry sources suggest that the Turkish attack helicopter selection could slip from 15 February and it is possible that, rather than choose a winner, Turkey may instead narrow the list to two competitors.
Battling for the Turkish order are Agusta, Bell, Boeing, Eurocopter and a Kamov entry offering a tandem cockpit Ka-52 with Israel Aircraft Industries-supplied avionics. Competitors are bidding for an initial 50-aircraft order while the full requirement is for 145 attack helicopters. First deliveries are due in November 2002.
• Bell is back on board Australia's Air 87 combat scout programme after appealing against its exclusion from the shortlist. Letters are expected from the Australian Department of Defence confirming the decision this month.
Source: Flight International
