ANDY NATIVI / GENOA
Alenia/Lockheed Martin team beats EADS Casa to 12 transport aircraft contract
The Greek defence ministry has selected the Alenia Aeronautica/Lockheed Martin C-27J Spartan, marking the first export success for the tactical transport. Talks to finalise the deal are expected soon.
Greece intends to acquire 12 C-27Js and take three options. The deal is nominally worth c400 million ($346 million). Deliveries are expected in 2004-8.
The C-27J was selected after a long-running competition against the EADS Casa C295. In previous competitions, the C-27J has lost out to its EADS rival because, despite being judged to offer better performance, it is more expensive than the C295.
In the Greek competition, the margin has been reduced to "less than a couple of million dollars" following a cost-reduction programme, mainly by Alenia, say sources in Italy. An industrial offset programme, worth around 350% of the contract value, is likely - much of which will benefit Hellenic Aerospace Industries.
The Greek order comes as Alenia launches a C-27J marketing drive. It began a sales tour at last month's Asian Aerospace in Singapore which will take in Malaysia, Thailand and the Middle East.
Meanwhile, Italy's order forC-27Js is expected to be signed by the end of this month, but only for an initial five aircraft with a later follow-on batch of seven. Deliveries are due to start by the end of next year. Italian aircraft will have additional equipment, including a self-defence suite and provision for in-flight refuelling.
The Brazilian air force has received replies to its CL-X light tactical transport request for proposals. Bids based on the C-27J, C295 and from Russia's Rosboronexport offering Antonov An-32-100s have been received. Brazil has budgeted $240 million for an initial 12 aircraft. The new transports will replace BAe 748s, already being phased out, and de Havilland Canada DHC-5 Buffalos. The overall requirement is for 18 to 24 aircraft, which would be used for aeromedical evacuation and search and rescue, as well as transport. The air force expects to make a selection in September.Source: Flight International
