Westland, Sikorsky join navy’s copter bid

[sudhir007]

Westland, Sikorsky join navy

AugustaWestland and Sikorsky Aircraft , the two global helicopter manufacturers vying for major defence tenders in the country, have confirmed their participation in Indian Navy’s recently issued Request for Information (RFI) for a second batch of multi-role helicopters.

The RFI, published earlier this month for new naval multi-role helicopters with antisubmarine, anti-surface and special operation capabilities, is the latest one to be issued by the Navy, which is close to procuring 16 multirole helicopters for an estimated $1-billion.

“It hasn’t exactly come as a surprise…The existing competition for procuring multirole helicopters will continue as scheduled,” Air Vice Marshal AJ Walia, managing director – India and South Asia, Sikorsky Aircraft, told ET.

While Sikorsky is yet to finalise the helicopter it plans to offer in response to the RFI, Walia said the S-70B, which is in contention for the Navy’s ongoing helicopter competition, could be the company’s pick once again. AugustaWestland, in an emailed reply to ET queries, said it plans to offer its NH-90 helicopter.

 

[angeldemon_007]

^^^
Great news....can anyone tell me how many choppers IN is looking for in the 2nd tender ??

 

[prabhu]

Sikorsky S-70

NH 90

According to a 2010 Bild report, German Army experts deem the helicopter to be utterly unusable for the transportation of combat troops. Among other things they complained that the seats are only suitable to carry 110 kg (240 lb) maximum weight—not enough for a fully equipped soldier. Weapons cannot be sufficiently secured during transport. The floor is too weak and can be damaged by dirty combat boots. The helicopter can only land on firm ground, with obstacles not exceeding 16 cm (6.3 in). Troops carrying full equipment cannot board/leave the helicopter, as the access ramp is too weak. Adding a doorgun is not possible due to the lack of space.[19] In response to this article, the German Defense Ministry proclaimed that the report in question referred to a prototype version, and not to the production model, the specifications for which were not even finalised at the time of the report. The prototype evaluation and its results were described as a normal procedure in an ongoing design process.[20]
On 20 April 2010, an Australian Defence Force MRH-90 suffered an engine failure near Adelaide. Only one engine was affected and the helicopter was landed safely at the Edinburgh base. The manufacturer has sent personnel to Australia to investigate the failure.[21] On 18 May the ADF announced that all of the Australian MRH-90 fleet were grounded due to engine issues since the 20 April incident.[22] Flights resumed in July 2010.[23]
says wiki NHIndustries NH90 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

are the concerns true

 

[prabhu]

^^^
Great news....can anyone tell me how many choppers IN is looking for in the 2nd tender ??

Navy looking for more helicopters

 

[jha]

S-70 should be selected...NH-90 had some problems...

 

[prabhu]

^^^ yh besides its more stunning than the NH 90

 

[Archie]

India has a requirement for 60 MRH helicopters with stress on ASW
our current fleet comprise of 34 Seakings and 12 ka25/28
out of these first batch of 16 helis will replace KA25 heli in service
India will upgrade 17 SeaKings , which would then remain in service till 2022

second batch of MRH for which RFI was issued will replace 17 SeaKings which will retire by 2015
my guess is that second bach order would be for 20 MRH

These could be followed 5yrs later by a 3rd RFP in 2016 for 24 MRH to replace upgraded seaKings by 2022

 

[angeldemon_007]

I don't get it, why MOD cancelled the FMS deal of MH-60 'Romeo ? Its the best chopper for this purpose...I am not sure how different is S-70 from Romeo but i know Romeo is good...

 

[Abingdonboy]

I believe first batch is for 60 helos focusing on ASW to replace ASW SeaKings and Kamov Ka 25. But the second RFI issued recently is for 16 with emphasis on CSAR/SAR and Special Operations and so related specialised equipment is needed for this role as such mid-air refuelling capability is also included in this RFI.

 

[MrIndianSikh]

S-70 should be chosen because the NH-90 has had technical issues