Thailand's navy has requested a transfer of funds into this year's budget in an effort to kick-start its delayed maritime helicopter procurement.
The navy has struggled since 1997 to raise the money for the helicopters. US bidder Kaman says a contract for an initial two aircraft is likely in this financial year, which ends in September 2001.
Kaman is offering 10 SH-2F Sea-sprite airframes, which the US Navy is expected to supply at no cost, for upgrade to SH-2G Super Seasprite standard. Anglo-Italian group AgustaWestland is proposing its Super Lynx 300.
Kaman is hoping for an initial contract to upgrade two airframes, and for a further six to follow. The other two airframes would become spares sources. Kaman says that it could begin deliveries within 28 months of contract signature.
Kaman and AgustaWestland, meanwhile, are continuing to compete to meet Malaysia's requirement for about 30 anti-submarine helicopters. Kaman is proposing the Super Seasprite and AgustaWestland says it will "probably" bid the NH Industries NH90, rather than the Lynx. "An evaluation team will be formed early next year [for this requirement]," says AgustaWestland. It is proposing its EH101 to meet an anticipated combat search and rescue helicopter need that will emerge to replace the Malaysian air force's ageing Sikorsky S-61As.
"I would say we are at least two years away from a contract," says AgustaWestland. The contract could cover 15-25 machines, to be in service by 2006.
The company is also pushing the EH101 to replace two Sikorsky S-70A Black Hawk VIP transports. AgustaWestland is understood to have agreed to buy back the Black Hawks as part of any deal.
Source: Flight International