Eurofighter's presence at Asian Aerospace takes on particular importance with Singapore's search to find a new advanced fighter aircraft now under way.
The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) is seeking a replacement for its fleet of McDonnell Douglas A-4SUs (this may later be expanded to cover a replacement for the RSAF's Northrop Grumman F-5S/T Tiger IIs) and Eurofighter is in the throes of responding to Singapore's Request for Information (RFI) for the A-4's successor.
The RFI, issued late last year, also went to Sukhoi, which is expected to bid a version of the Su-30; Boeing (F-15 and F/A-18E/F); Dassault Aviation (Rafale) and Lockheed Martin (F-16 Block 60).
Ian Malin, Eurofighter Typhoon business development executive responsible for the Singapore campaign, says manufacturers traditionally get more excited about potential orders at the Request for Proposals (RFP) stage, but Singapore's method of procurement means that "they tend to be very much more focussed during the RFI period and get into a lot more detail than we would expect when dealing with some western air forces".
An RFP is expected to be announced later this year or in 2003, with contract award in 2004 and delivery anticipated in the 2007-9 timeframe. The RSAF's initial order is expected to be for around 20 aircraft, but further tranches may follow.
In terms of industrial participation and technology transfer as part of any order, Eurofighter says it would invite Singapore to become involved in a development programme for the Typhoon, particularly in relation to any Singapore-required technology on the aircraft.
The country's heavy investment in research and development makes it an attractive collaborative partner, says Eurofighter. Such collaboration could be in fields such as biotechnology and nanotechnology.
Eurofighter will be displaying a fully functional cockpit demonstrator on its stand in the UK Pavilion (Hall A) at the show, while a separate public area will allow visitors to watch a simulated typical combat mission through 3-D spectacles. A Typhoon mock-up is also on display outside Hall A.
Source: Flight Daily News
