Possible new Naval ops

[clan]

"if" The NS is to get a new combined Patrol/Auxiliary Ship to replace the Emer with Helicopter landing deck for one or two more craft. Does this mean, a new tender will be put out eventually or the current tender which mentions a possible 2 more craft could in fact be Naval variants of what ever helicopter wins.

[IAS]

I read somewhere (JDW I think) that US Blackhwks are practising deck landings, also British Apaches are doing likewise.

So if we do acquire such a naval capability we don't necessarily need naval variants, just inshore deck landing capability may suffice.

IAS

[FMolloy]

Quote

the current tender which mentions a possible 2 more craft could in fact be Naval variants

The two additional heli's would be the same as the 4 they are planning to buy.

[Imshi-Yallah]

There is also the issue of the MLH tender being under review, carrying one big helo would be in many ways preferable to two small.

[clan]

So technically the DOD is thinking ahead here, with the option for 2 more heli's as part of the tender.
Would this then favour, one manufacturer over another. If the DOD have this possibility (naval variants)at the back of there minds, even though it does not state it on the tender.
Would it eliminate the likes of Eurocopter AS565 Among others.

[Imshi-Yallah]

Well it depends on what you call a "naval variant" on a large open deck harpoons  aren't necessary, folding rotors may or may not be.
In our case there isnt exactly a surplus of aircraft that could be deployed so we can probably discount the folding rotors.
On the other hand the utility of Helicopters like the AB139 or AS565 is fairly limited and why carry something halfway around the world thats barely useful.
Better to get a larger helicopter and I suspect that they will not be accomodating for the airwing of this "proposed" vessel in the current tender, but note the absence of any manufacturers who dont supply MLHs.

[clan]

Link to the "Proposed ship" or one of a similar type.
http://www.navalteam.dk/supportship.htm

It would be nice, especially with 2 helicopters to go with it.

[alpha foxtrot 07]

this tender sounds more and more like its geared to the blackhawk. a helo capable of carrying 10 combat troops, capable of being armed, capable for sar ops and now this discussion for a possible naval variety. all of which must be a proven capability. makes you think.

[Taj]

Folks the options for an additional two helicopters in the tender are for the exact same equipment fit as the 4 firm orders-there is nothing Naval mentioned and to seek something like that in the future would mean a complete re-tendering and more importantly getting a naval ship capable of carrying it.
There is no time limit required for the two options-meaning that it must be decided whether to order them or not within the time frame of the complete tender-which is 120 days after the closing date. Speaking to the representatives of the companies involved there seems to be a consensus that they will be turned into firm orders if a lower end helicopter is selected. The other side of the coin is that the Dept were vague when writing this part of the requirement, but definitely NOT any different variants than covered under the tender.
The only maritime equipment in these helicopters is a marine radio-which is basic SAR equipment for actual operations or for training with the likes of the RNLI.

Check out http://www.sikorsky.com/details/0,,CLI1_DIV69_ETI879,00.html

This ship-capable version of the Blackhawk is the appropriate aircraft to operate from the proposed NS multi-role expeditionary/patrol ship based on the ABSALON class now entering service with the Danish Navy.  These helos would be the two Utility options or, more likely, a follow-on order for two additional aircraft triggered by the decision to proceed with the new ship. All subject to selection of the Blackhawk to satisfy the Utility requirement of course.

Cheers

[clan]

So Based on the Tender process, "if" the DOD decide to take up the option on a further two aircraft with the winning bidder within the 120 days. They will have basically have made up there mind to purchase the combined Patrol/Auxiliary ship for the NS. If the don't take up the option, and in a year or so when Emer is due to be retired they then decide to order the Danish ship they will have to enter a new tender process. Which I suppose in theory could be the MLH's.

[Taj]

Possibly Clan-but as you know youself there are so many ifs and buts in any proposed Defence Forces procurement program-the next major priority could be the provision of an airlift capability as opposed to a "sea lift" capability-both options have progressed no further than studies so there are no guarantees which one will be purchased first if at all. There is no doubting the need for both.
As regards the current tender, the omission of an option to firm order period could just be an oversight, but the way it is being interpreted in its current form is that of all prices are valid for the 120 days only. I do know that the manufacturers are seeking clarification from the department on this matter, so it is still possible that there was an oversight in the draughting of the tender. There are definitely no specifically naval options required for these two helis though-same standard fit as the other four utilities.