Helicopter Tender Announced

[pilatus]

i doubt the corps would purchase the A109 for training as it is dearer than the ec135 and burns more fuel but the AB139 does look rather good on the agusta website they claim it can fly with 14-16 passengers and still have reserve power!

[pilatus]

have there been any demos of choppers to the corps recently?what chopper is seen as favourite right now does anybody know?the super puma is on alist of utility choppers but is it been taken seriously because its a big machine compared to some of the others it can take 18 fully equipped troops taswell!what is the market price ofthe superpuma blackhawk and AB139?cost will probably affect the outcome?!

[sealion]

There would be no evaluation of aircraft until after the 23rd of July when all Tenders have been submitted.
Doesnt stop some air force calling in unannounced for a Jolly as the italians and others have done in the past though..

[StevieW]

I see from IMO the submission date's been extended until 3rd August. Any word on what Eurocopter are going to offer?

[sealion]

Any updates? Will the tender opening be a public process? How long before decisions are made?

[FMolloy]

A press source has told me that the Blackhawk & the UH-1Y are the favourites.