The emergence of an attack helicopter market in South America has moved a step closer, with US Government approval for Bell to begin demonstrating a version of the AH-1W to Chile and Colombia. The two countries are also looking to acquire more Sikorsky UH-60s.
Both have emerging requirements for armed helicopters. Washington's clearance to begin evaluating Bell's MH-1W variant represents a relaxation of a policy that has stopped US manufacturers competing against European and Russian suppliers.
The Colombian air force is engaged in anti-narcotics missions and has a potential requirement for up to 12 armed helicopters. The Chilean army has not articulated a formal requirement but, with the prospect of the air force phasing out its Cessna A-37 close support aircraft, is beginning to show interest in a rotary-wing capability.
Rafael, in the meantime, has fitted a Chilean army MD Helicopters MD530F with up to eight NT-D Spike fire-and-forget anti-tank missiles and a 8-12um Topaz optical sight in a belly-mounted turret. The modified helicopter is thought to be a trial demonstration of the system, being offered on the MH-1W.
The Israeli company is also promoting an HE-Lite version of its larger Toplite targeting sight, which it says can be installed in the MD500's nose. The system includes a television and infrared sight with magnification of up to 20 times laser designator and rangefinder and automated target tracking.
Chile, meanwhile, is looking at adding to its Sikorsky UH-60 fleet and has received an offer for up to 12 more to replace its five BellUH-1H utility machines. An alternative Bell proposal is to upgrade the helicopters to the Huey 2 configuration with an uprated Honeywell T53-703 turboshaft.
Sikorsky expects to conclude a contract shortly with the Colombian air force and army to each take seven UH-60Ls, increasing the country's fleet to 45. The USA is also hoping to supply Colombia with another 63 helicopters as part of an anti-narcotics air package.
Source: Flight International
