Graham Warwick/WASHINGTON DC
The USCoast Guard has launched a programme to replace its fleets of aircraft and surface vessels. A request for proposals for the Integrated Deepwater System programme was released in March, and up to three teams will be awarded concept development contracts in July.
The Coast Guard plans to award a contract in January 2002 to begin "recapitalising" its deepwater force, which now includes 137 helicopters - Eurocopter HH-65s and Sikorsky HH-60Js - and 53 fixed wing aircraft - Dassault HU-25s and Lockheed Martin C-130s.
Bidders will be required to "-look at the entire mission and decide what mix of assets, new and upgraded, are required to improve performance", says Deepwater programme manager Capt Craig Schnappinger. The Deepwater mission includes law enforcement, search and rescue and environmental protection from 90km (50nm) to over 370km offshore.
Teams are already forming to bid. Bell Helicopter has teamed with shipbuilder Ingalls under prime contractor Lockheed Martin, and plans to offer a version of the Bell Boeing 609 civil tilt-rotor, dubbed the HV-609, to replace helicopters and fixed wing Coast Guard aircraft.
Boeing, meanwhile, has teamed with shipbuilder Avondale, and Sikorsky with shipbuilder Bath under prime contractor SAIC. Other teams are expected to bid.
The Coast Guard wants the lowest life-cycle cost to perform its mission and expects bidders to propose a mix of new platforms and service life extensions to existing equipment. The Deepwater programme includes a command, control, communications, computing and intelligence system and integrated logistics support.
Shortcomings of the existing force include high maintenance costs, limited night capability, and inefficient communications
The service is "interested" in vertical take-off and landing unmanned air vehicles (VTOLUAVs). The Deepwater programme office is to participate in the Department of Defense flyoff now under way between three VTOLdesigns: the Bell Eagle Eye tilt rotor, Bombardier CL-327 rotary wing UAV and anSAIC remotely piloted helicopter.
Source: Flight Daily News
