Export prospects worth more than $1billion are "looking good" for the GKN Westland/Agusta's EH101 Merlin search and rescue helicopter which makes its debut at Paris.
Canada and Portugal are due to decide later this year on whether to buy up to 30 of the helicopters, says Westland's public affairs chief Chris Loney.
"These would be the first export orders for the EH101," says Loney. "We would be doing very well if we sold the helicopter before it even enters service with the British and Italian forces.
"It is the only new-generation helicopter of its class in production. The faith of the British and Italian governments in the programme is starting to pay off," he says.
A utility version of the helicopter appears on the static park at Paris in yellow and red to emphasise the company's keen interest in winning the Canadian order for up to 15 aircraft. A decision is due in October on the programme which is known as the Cormorant.
The offer to Canada involves a large element of off-the-shelf technology to reduce costs, says Loney.
The total value is around $455million and could be followed by more orders for 35 maritime helicopters for the Canadian Forces.
The joint Italian-British helicopter is also a strong prospect in the Portuguese navy contest for two fishery-protection and eight to 12 search and rescue helicopters, worth some $800million. This should be decided within the year, says Loney.
An Agusta spokesman says there is tremendous interest in search and rescue helicopters from all over the world. The Italian air force could also be interested in the Merlin to replace its 20 Sikorsky HH-3Fs and the country's army also needs a successor to its vintage Agusta-made CH-47 Chinooks.
The version on show at Paris is the PP7 prototype which flew from Agusta's Brindisi test site to show off its spacious interior.
Source: Flight Daily News
