Blackhawk vs Puma/Cougar

[Silver]

Is the Blackhawk really the best choice for the AC ?

Yes, it has the 'image' and service history to back up it's case, but would it not be better to go for a heli with a better lift capacity like the Puma or Cougar ?

(N.B. I'm not 'on commission' from Eurocopter  '> )

[Silver]

It's strange that eurocopter haven't offered the Puma or Cougar in their tender ?

[sealion]

Not really. It would be considered overkill considering that type can in some cases carry 32 troops,while the requirement is only to carry 8,plus 2 crew.

[Pink Panther]

I would have to agree with sealion.It is not strange at all,The facts of the matter are the Puma /Cougar is a MLH.The tender is UH,LUH.The Aer corp will not be getting MLH's any time soon.

[Silver]

Fair enough.
But I wonder how a Puma or Cougar compares 'price wise' in comparison to a Blackhawk ?

i.e. would it not be wiser to get one heli to cover both the UH and MLH roles ?

[sealion]

Quote (Silver @ 17 Aug. 2004,05:23)

i.e. would it not be wiser to get one heli to cover both the UH and MLH roles ?

No

Jack of all trades master of none. An aircraft that will be too small for some tasks,will be too large for others.
Also we need to build up the Current fleet. 4 or 6 UH will get us used to proper military heli ops,and the A3  can continue to serve while its still practical. At the moment we need the numbers,rather than specific types.

[IAS]

I see according to defense-aerospace.com that the Aussies have chosen the NH-90 (MRH-90) over the Blackhawk, however they intend to keep the Blackhawks in service also - appears they are going to use the MRH-90 as a MLH (ability to carry 18 troops) and the Blackhawks to work with their special forces.

IAS