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VOLUME 37 NUMBER 1 JAN/FEB 2018 A SHEPHARD MEDIA PUBLICATION
Hot spots
Orders and deliveries
in Asia-Pacific
SIZE MATTERS THE NUMBERS GAME CSAR CONSIDERED
EO/IR sensors Modernisation programmes Survival teaming
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CONTENTS
Editor
Helen Haxell helen.h@shephardmedia.com 3 EDITORIAL COMMENT FEATURE
Tel: +44 (0)20 3179 2597 No more! 19 MAKING PROGRESS
Asia-Pacific Editor EO/IR sensors for military helicopters have
Gordon Arthur gordon.a@shephardmedia.com
4 NEWS advanced in various ways in recent years, as
North America Editor
Ashley Roque ashley.r@shephardmedia.com • Russia and India dominate helicopter orders manufacturers look to strike the optimum
• First Apaches touch down in Indonesia balance between capability, size and weight.
Staff Reporter
Tim Martin • Japan’s V-22 Osprey deliveries rescheduled
Contributors • Bell 412EPs bound for Argentina FEATURE
Patrick Allen, Erwan de Cherisey, Rob Coppinger,
Gerrard Cowan, David Daverio, Peter Donaldson,
• AH-64E Apache set for record production rates 24 STAYING THE COURSE
Jim Dorschner, Mauro Finati, Scott R Gourley, • Keeping it cool for Future Vertical Lift The rotary-wing armament market has seen
Michal Jarocki, Neelam Mathews,
Alexander Mladenov, David Oliver, Paolo Rollino, its guided weapon capability gap filled by the
Richard Scott, Barry D Smith, Beth Stevenson, FEATURE integration of semi-active laser seekers onto
Alan Warnes, Jim Winchester
8 SURVIVAL OF THE FITTEST conventional unguided projectiles. Development
Production and Circulation Manager
David Hurst For personnel who find themselves in hostile of such munitions has been undertaken by
Senior Production Editor
territory in dire need of aid, CSAR is their only multiple major OEMs, but which have the
Georgina Smith lifeline. Militaries globally are recognising the potential for long-term success?
Sub-editor significance of these services and are making
Elaine Effard
bold strides in equipping themselves for such FEATURE
Digital Development Manager
Adam Wakeling
eventualities. 31 PLAYING THE NUMBERS GAME
While India and the US lead the world in terms
Graphic Designer
Kam Bains FEATURE of helicopter numbers in service, they are by no
Commercial Manager 12 RICH PICKINGS means alone in focusing on acquisition and
Anthony Wilkinson OEMs have long had their sights on the replacement programmes. Militaries globally
anthony.w@shephardmedia.com
Tel: +44 (0)20 3179 2575 Southeast Asian market, where militaries are are ramping up projects that will see a diverse
Head of Advertising Sales looking both to modernise existing fleets and range of requirements fulfilled.
Kevin Bethell kevin.b@shephardmedia.com replace ageing squadrons, and the last two
Tel: +44 (0)20 3179 2587
years have certainly given cause for much FEATURE
VP Business Development
Mike Wild optimism. 36 SLOW BUT SURE
Editor-in-Chief Although plagued by delays, the Russian Naval
Richard Thomas Aviation helicopter fleet continues to undergo
VP Content significant capability expansion through
Tony Skinner
technology upgrades and new platforms being
Managing Director
Darren Lake
introduced into service.
Chairman
Nick Prest TAIL SPIN
Subscriptions 40 SHOW OF POWER
Annual rates start at £90
As the CH-47F Chinook Block II upgrade
Tel: +44 (0)20 3179 2592
Email: subs@shephardmedia.com programme continues, Randy Rotte, director
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of business development for cargo helicopter
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permission of the publishers. Front cover: A Leonardo Helicopters AW109E Power of the Philippine Navy takes off. Interestingly, the Philippines opted for a
Print by Buxton Press, Derbyshire, UK commercial-based variant instead of the military-spec AW109LUH. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
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VOLUME 37 NUMBER 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 DEFENCE HELICOPTER 1
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09:11:12
COMMENT
Helen Haxell, Editor
No more!
The Trump administration announced on Rotorcraft repercussions?
4 January that in an effort to tackle Islamic It has been widely reported that defence In the next issue
terrorist organisations in the Pakistan- aid covers the sale of hardware, training
Afghanistan region, the US would be and services, and coalition support funds, • US Army programmes
suspending hundreds of millions of dollars but whether this encompasses helicopters • Guns
of security aid to Pakistan. in the midst of delivery is yet to be seen.
• DVE
This move is intentionally provoking Pakistan became the first export
Islamabad to more actively enforce some customer for the Bell Helicopter AH-1Z • Contractor logistics/operations
sort of challenge against the Taliban and Viper attack aircraft in 2015. The contract
Haqqani networks. was a big win for the manufacturer, as it
More widely, this could also be seen marked the first FMS of the AH-1 in 20 arsenal of 41 A/A49E-7(V4) gun turrets for
as a statement of intent to withdraw US years. The US approved the sale of 15 their respective fleets. Contractor General
troops completely from the ongoing conflict Vipers, of which 12 have been requested Dynamics was awarded the work by the US
in Afghanistan, despite the end of combat to date, with final deliveries expected to DoD on 7 December, with the total cost of
initiated in 2014. occur later this year. $9 million to be split between USN aircraft
While this is solely a defence move, Pakistan has been heavily using its procurement funds (FY2016 and 2017)
and is not related to humanitarian aid, older AH-1F Cobras in its campaign and FMS monies.
the $900 million freeze in security against these groups in the lawless tribal
assistance is likely to infringe on deals that belts throughout the country, so these Indefinite industry impact
are in the making or even potential FMS. new attack helicopters are needed. The This aid freeze could be construed as
Will Washington’s incentive to curb government was looking to completely counterintuitive by Washington, because
militants’ sanctuaries in the country see replace its legacy Cobra fleet by 2020. a Viper could be utilised in combat against
Pakistan isolated, or could it in fact mean However, with this freeze notice, could terrorist groups – if the freeze does affect
further US military support in meeting that timeline be affected? the programme.
Trump’s demands in tackling these The Pakistan Army was expected to take Is the US inadvertently tying Pakistan’s
groups? receipt of the first three aircraft in 2017, hands? Or in a shrewd move, could it be
On 1 January, the US President tweeted: but it remains unclear whether they were increasing the potential of more US
‘The US has foolishly given Pakistan more delivered. The Vipers are being worked on military products being exported to the
than $33 billion dollars in aid over the last at the OEM’s facility in Amarillo, Texas. country to tackle insurgents?
15 years, and they have given us nothing In the summer of 2017, Bell said at It is clearly going to be interesting
but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders the Paris Air Show that it had not been to see the impact of this multi-million-
as fools. They give safe haven to the decided whether delivery of the remaining dollar defence aid freeze and what it
terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with nine aircraft will be in batches of three or means for the helicopter industry. While
little help. No more!’ more, but the company expected to deliver in the short term, this could impact
It is unclear exactly what will be directly the final machine 18 months on from July deliveries and timelines, it could result in
impacted by this move in the defence last year. the prospective procurement of more US
industry explicitly, but there are bound In addition, Islamabad, alongside the goods to aid the fight against such groups
to be exceptions and consequences. USMC, was last year poised to procure an in the long term. ■
WWW.DEFENCEHELICOPTER.COM VOLUME 37 NUMBER 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 DEFENCE HELICOPTER 3
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NEWS
Russia and India dominate helicopter orders
Two nations that have dominated military place, but 22 new helicopters will be
helicopter headlines recently are Russia delivered to the recent standard.
and India. Deliveries which also took place
The former saw numerous orders for domestically included five new Ansat-U
new and upgraded platforms while the training aircraft to Russian Aerospace
latter is trying to bolster its ageing rotary- Forces and eight Ka-52 attack rotorcraft
wing fleets, although this effort has been to the helicopter regiment of the Russian
marked by delays. Armed Forces’ Western Military District.
Throughout the second half of 2017, In a non-domestic sale, the air force of Photo: Russian Helicopters
Russian Helicopters clocked up orders and West African nation Burkina Faso placed an
deliveries, and undertook flight testing of the order for two Russian Helicopters Mi-171Shs. Helicopters). For a navy used to operating
Ka-226T platform in Iran. The Russian MoD As India seeks to modernise its military vintage utility Alouettes, and Sea King and
was set to receive its first batch of Mi-28UB fleets, it was announced that a contract Ka-28 anti-submarine helicopters, these
helicopters in November. The aircraft for delivery of 200 Kamov Ka-226T light two programmes aim to fill a critical
(pictured) is a combat training version of the utility helicopters to the country’s MoD is capability gap.
Mi-28NE Night Hunter. The manufacturer likely to be signed in early 2018. Outside of India and Russia, US
ended 2017 with initial delivery of the type On 31 October 2017, the Indian Defence company MD Helicopters made headlines
to the Russian armed forces. Acquisition Council, headed by Defence through a $1.38 billion US DoD contract
Russian Helicopters, one of the largest Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, accorded for 150 MD 530F Cayuse Warriors, with
helicopter OEMs in the world, is also working ‘acceptance of necessity’ for the navy’s the initial 30 bound for Afghanistan.
with the country’s government on designs 111-aircraft NUH (Naval Utility Helicopter) Rounding off 2017 was the debut flight
for the next generation of attack rotorcraft. programme. of the V-280 Valor tiltrotor from Bell
On the heavy lift front, The air force will The approval for this programme, valued Helicopter as part of the US Army’s Joint
receive updated Mi-26s by 2025 as part at INR217.38 billion ($3.5 billion), follows Multi-Role Technology Demonstrator
of the MoD’s helicopter rearmament an RfI issued on 22 August for the NUH programme.
programme. Not only will an upgrade take and 123 NMRHs (Naval Multirole By Helen Haxell, London
First Apaches touch down in Indonesia
The deal was conducted under the light attack, AH-64E Apache and
Photo: DH picture library FMS programme after Jakarta lodged a CH-47F Chinook.’
request in September 2012. The overall The Apaches will operate alongside
requirement is likely to be for 16 Apaches, Russian-built Mil Mi-35P attack
and the initial contract could well have helicopters in the TNI-AD. Some will
contained options for further aircraft. be based on the Natuna Islands on
The deal also includes Northrop the periphery of the South China Sea,
Grumman’s AN/APG-78 Longbow fire with Jakarta concerned about foreign
control radar and 140 Lockheed Martin activities and territorial tensions in the
The first three Boeing AH-64E Apache AGM-114R3 antitank missiles. It was the maritime area.
Guardian helicopters (pictured) of the largest US military sale to Indonesia after Although Indonesia is known to be
Indonesian Army (TNI-AD) arrived an arms embargo was lifted in 2005. interested in the CH-47F, firm orders
in-country on 18 December 2017. The As well as other markets in Southeast have been stymied by a lack of funds.
$296 million contract for eight of the Asia, the country is thus being targeted Nevertheless, the country is believed
type was signed in January 2015. by Boeing for future rotorcraft sales. to have issued a request for price and
The machines arrived aboard a USAF ‘There are at least three tenders from availability in late 2016.
C-17A Globemaster III transport aircraft ASEAN customers forthcoming in the On the back of this Apache sale and
at Semerang Air Base in Java, where they next two years for both attack and utility Indonesia’s interest in up to 12 Chinooks,
will be operated by 11 Squadron. The helicopters,’ a company spokesperson Boeing is exploring expanded industrial
final Apaches should be handed over in told DH. Boeing is in close contact with cooperation with the country.
February 2018, according to the OEM. all of these customers, offering the AH-6i By Gordon Arthur, Hong Kong
4 DEFENCE HELICOPTER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 VOLUME 37 NUMBER 1 WWW.DEFENCEHELICOPTER.COM
DH-01-18_p04-06_News.indd 4 25/01/2018 10:31:26
NEWS
Japan’s V-22 Osprey deliveries rescheduled
The Japanese government – the first export
customer for the Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey Photo: US DoD
(pictured) – will receive five of the aircraft
from Q4 2018 to Q1 2019.
The timeline, provided to DH by the
US State Department, is later than the
September/October 2017 expectation
previously publicised. When pressed,
neither Bell nor the US government wished
to provide further comment on changes
made to the schedule.
Further to the $3 billion FMS agreement
between Japan and the US for 17 V-22B
Block C tiltrotors announced in 2015, the
Japan Ground Self-Defence Force is add to the order placed by Japan. ‘While I Meanwhile, the US DoD has enlisted
expected to operate the aircraft as the can’t disclose any specific customer Bell and Boeing to produce and deliver
country prepares to bolster its amphibious interest, look, for example, at some of the seven Ospreys for the USN.
and naval capabilities. places the USMC are positioned and A $19 million modification to the
The tiltrotors are able to operate from countries that have long distances to travel previously awarded advance acquisition
Japanese naval platforms such as the to theatre – we believe that those countries contract was confirmed on 7 December last
Izumo-class aircraft carriers. are viable candidates for the V-22,’ said year, which will provide for the acquisition
In relation to other export candidates for Steve Mathias, the company’s VP of global of additional long-lead material and
the V-22, Bell remains optimistic that it can military business development. associated efforts for the project.
Work on the tiltrotor will be split across
three sites: Amarillo and Fort Worth in
Bell 412EPs bound for Argentina
Texas, and Ridley Park, Pennsylvania. The
USN will take receipt of the batch after work
is completed in December 2018.
including SAR operations, humanitarian The navy currently has a requirement for
Photo: US DoD
assistance and disaster relief, 48 V-22s, with 44 CMV-22s set to satisfy a
peacekeeping support and scientific carrier onboard delivery (COD) requirement
operations in the Antarctic. as the service looks to replace its ageing
The Bell 412EP is an evolution of the fleet of C-2A Greyhounds.
Bell 412 with hot and high capabilities ‘The navy has made a decision regarding
and single- and dual-pilot IFR. COD but the contract is still being worked
A further iteration of the aircraft, the on. We’re looking forward to working with
Bell 412 EPI, was released in 2013 and Boeing to fulfil that requirement,’ Mathias
includes an advanced flight deck as well told DH.
as increased power with Pratt & Whitney ‘We are also on schedule for MV-22s
The Argentinian Air Force is to expand PT6T-9 Twin Pac engines. The first sale for the USMC and CV-22s for the USAF.’
its fleet of helicopters with the addition of this variant occurred in 2016 to Aichi A USN spokesperson also confirmed
of four Bell 412EPs (pictured) and Prefecture. that the government is currently in
accompanying training. The Philippine Department of National negotiations with Bell-Boeing for a third
The request was first approved by the Defence also utilises the Bell 412EP, multi-year V-22 procurement contract.
US State Department in November 2015. with deliveries of the aircraft completed The first multi-year contract awarded in
The contract, worth $27,256,160, was in 2015. The platform is used in various 2008 has been completed, with the second
awarded on 7 December under an FMS by roles, including VIP transport, combat likely to end soon, as the USMC has now
the US Army Contracting Command. Work utility and relief efforts. received 306 MV-22s out of 360.
is to be carried out at Bell Helicopter’s site The Bell 412EP has a range of 660km By Tim Martin, London
in Fort Worth, Texas, and will be completed and cruise speed of 226km/h. The cabin
by June 2018. can accommodate 13 passengers and For more news, visit
The Argentinian government requested two crew members. www.defencehelicopter.com
the platform to support various missions, By Beth Maundrill, London
WWW.DEFENCEHELICOPTER.COM VOLUME 37 NUMBER 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 DEFENCE HELICOPTER 5
DH-01-18_p04-06_News.indd 5 25/01/2018 10:31:28
NEWS
AH-64E Apache set for Photo: author
record production rates
The AH-64E Apache Guardian attack After the US Army, the UK is set to
helicopter (pictured) is being tipped to become the largest international AH-64E No set batch delivery times have been
reach ‘historically high’ production figures operator. publicly disclosed but anticipated service
of up to 100 aircraft per year by 2021. Earlier this year, Boeing committed to entry for the fleet is scheduled for 2022.
More encouragingly for manufacturer a $3.4 billion multi-year contract for the The AH-64E is also expected to be fully
Boeing, that projection was based on a supply of 244 remanufactured aircraft interoperable with the British Army’s current
‘ramping up’ of export orders, said Steve for the US Army and 24 new examples Apache AH Mk 1 fleet, the spokesperson
Wade, the company’s VP of attack for export sales. Without providing confirmed. Under US instruction, UK pilot
helicopter programmes, speaking to DH at a specific breakdown, the company training for the type is currently ongoing
the Apache assembly line in Mesa, Arizona. confirmed that more than 335 AH-64E at Mesa.
Current production levels of the AH-64E rotorcraft have been delivered to the US Among the changes from the D to the
stand at 70 per year, but the plan for DoD and ‘several international customers’. E variant is a new fuselage, with Boeing
expansion stems from the OEM’s healthy The US Army had originally planned to opting to switch from a Korean to an
international customer portfolio for the acquire 690 AH-64Es to fulfil its attack Indian supplier. The new structure will
Apache family, which now includes 15 helicopter requirement, but this number have a 10,000h lifespan.
existing and a further ten operators has since increased to 767. The AH-64E also has composite blades
interested in the E model. For the UK, the first delivery of the type made of fibre glass, graphite, carbon and
Of the ten, Boeing expects ‘to close deals is expected to take place in June 2020. A a honeycomb core, which are designed
with two or three of those contacts within Boeing spokesperson explained that batch with an aerofoil proven to provide better
the next six months’, said David delivery will be in accordance with FMS weight-carrying abilities than the previous
Koopersmith, VP and GM of the company’s stipulations, and will see the MoD take ‘one steel blade.
vertical lift programme. aircraft per month’. By Tim Martin, Mesa
Keeping it cool for Future Vertical Lift
An open-architecture cooling standard standard VITA 48.8 was ratified in System-compliant plug-in modules
for use with COTS VPX modules, known October 2017 and is currently deployed provide users with 40% weight savings at
as ANSI/VITA 48.8, could soon be on various rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft. an avionics level. This is bound to benefit
applied to the next generation of military The standard significantly reduces future helicopter operators and in some
aircraft, including Future Vertical Lift. SWaP-C (cost) and increases the instances, it can equate to 3.8kg of
A collaborative effort between Curtiss- dependability of avionics systems weight savings on one box, Vos explained.
Wright and Lockheed Martin, the ANSI- through the removal of heat from ‘The original solution with conduction
onboard electronics. cold modules was 23lbs [10.4kg] and
VITA 48.8 could provide Chinook operators According to David Vos, a fellow at what we are fielding now is 16lbs,’ he
with 40% weight savings on their avionics Lockheed Martin, heat is much more of said. ‘That is a saving of 7lbs on a single
systems. (Photo: US DoD) a problem for helicopter operators than box. A platform will have between 50
lower temperatures due to the issue of and 100 boxes. So, you are talking
condensation, which can add more about hundreds of pounds of savings
weight as well as cause direct damage at a platform level.’
to systems. VITA 48.8 eliminates the need for
‘Looking forward to future wedgelocks and ejector/injector
opportunities, particularly for vertical handles. Furthermore, it supports
lift aircraft, I think this is a profound alternative air-flow arrangements,
improvement for where we as an allowing air inlets at both card edges.
industry want to go,’ he commented. By Helen Haxell, London
6 DEFENCE HELICOPTER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 VOLUME 37 NUMBER 1 WWW.DEFENCEHELICOPTER.COM
DH-01-18_p04-06_News.indd 6 25/01/2018 10:31:29
EURONAVAL - Conception : Karbone studio
Your Sales Contact
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CSAR
The next-generation Sikorsky HH-60W CRH
is on track to replace the HH-60G in a USAF
programme of record. (Image: Sikorsky)
For personnel who find themselves in hostile territory in dire need
of aid, CSAR is their only lifeline. Militaries globally are recognising
the significance of these services and are making bold strides in
equipping themselves for such eventualities. By Jim Dorschner
T
he concept of what we now refer to Leading the field Since the 1990s, USAF CSAR has relied
as CSAR was first put into practice US capabilities continued to mature over on the Sikorsky HH-60G Pave Hawk,
during the 1950-53 Korean War, the years into the formidable forces now which now equips 11 deployable rescue
when both the USAF and USN employed recognised today as essential elements squadrons, three of which are Air
helicopters to recover downed aircrew of any air campaign over hostile territory. National Guard, with two more in the Air
from enemy-controlled territory. Building on the guiding principles and Force Reserve. Pave Hawk units work
Helicopter CSAR operations really hit tactics, techniques and procedures closely with sister squadrons equipped
their stride during the Vietnam War from developed the hard way in Southeast with the Lockheed HC-130P Combat
1964 to 1975, exemplified by iconic Asia, and during subsequent operations Shadow or HC-130J Combat King tanker
Sikorsky HH-3 and HH-53 ‘Jolly Green in Afghanistan, the Balkans and Iraq, the and support aircraft, and with highly
Giants’, supported by aerial refuelling USAF and navy have steadily improved trained specialist pararescue crews,
from Lockheed HC-130 Hercules tankers personnel selection and training, and known as PJs.
and flights of dedicated A-1 ‘Spad’ equipment, especially in terms of rotary- After years of confusion over replacing
propeller-driven attack aircraft to wing platforms. worn-out Pave Hawks, including selection of
suppress enemy fire. The latter include two versions of the the Boeing HH-47 under the CSAR-X
By the late 1960s, first-generation Sikorsky H-60 modified with SATCOM programme in 2006 – subsequently
night vision capabilities and advanced digital data transmission capability, night cancelled in 2009 – the USAF finally
navigation systems further improved vision systems and advanced sensors awarded Sikorsky a $1.28 billion contract
effectiveness. like FLIR. in 2014 for the development, integration
8 DEFENCE HELICOPTER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 VOLUME 37 NUMBER 1 WWW.DEFENCEHELICOPTER.COM
DH-01-18_p08-11_CSAR.indd 8 1/25/2018 10:36:37 AMCSAR
and delivery of four initial HH-60W combat US capabilities Martin C-130J transports based at Évreux
rescue helicopters (CRHs). This was later air base in France, the air force has ordered
increased to nine W models, with first continued to two KC-130J tankers. Previously, only a few
deliveries are expected in 2018. The USAF mature over the French Caracal crews were able
programme of record calls for 112 to qualify in aerial refuelling during limited
helicopters to ultimately replace the entire years into the formidable training opportunities with the USAF and
Pave Hawk CSAR fleet. forces now recognised Italian KC-130s.
The HH-60W is based on the current US
Army Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk model, today as essential elements European focus
adding specific capability to support the of any air campaign over While Germany does not yet have any
CSAR mission. Designed to meet long-range helicopters capable of aerial refuelling,
and high-threat requirements, the W has hostile territory. this is likely to change from around 2022,
twice the internal fuel capacity of a standard when a programme to replace the air
M model without using auxiliary tanks. It also force’s fleet of Sikorsky CH-53Gs finally
has a robust weapons suite, and integrated gets under way. The service wants up to
defensive systems and sensors. into the rescue helicopter, either after a 41 heavy-lift helicopters, with Sikorsky’s
landing or via hoist. If necessary, further new CH-53K King Stallion competing
Recognising need medical treatment is delivered during against the extended range variant of
Unlike the USAF approach of dedicated transit back to base or to a ship. Boeing’s CH-47F Chinook.
CSAR units, in the USN the mission is The US is not alone in recognising the In service initially with army aviation
performed by selected CSAR-trained value of CSAR. While allied aircrew have since the 1970s, 60 surviving CH-53G
crews within helicopter undersea warfare relied on US CSAR forces in most of the Super Stallions were transferred to air force
squadrons serving aboard aircraft carriers multinational coalition air campaigns control in 2013. Of these, 20 are dedicated
and the aviation ships of amphibious executed in recent decades, such as the to CSAR and SOF support with Helicopter
ready groups. efforts against IS in Syria, several NATO Wing 64 at Laupheim.
Currently equipped with MH-60S countries, as well as Israel, Russia and The CH-53GS represents a major
Knighthawk helicopters, designated Saudi Arabia, have also built up capability. upgrade that includes: improved ballistic
undersea warfare crews are trained to The French Air Force has maintained a protection; self-defence capabilities such as
conduct day and night CSAR and naval dedicated CSAR helicopter unit since the a missile launch detection system,
special warfare operations support in mid-1970s. Squadron 1/67 Pyrénées, electronic countermeasures and up to three
hostile environments. This includes small based at Cazaux, is currently equipped door and ramp machine guns; external fuel
arms and IR missile threats, with additional with ten highly capable Airbus Helicopter tanks; advanced navigation and
training in day and night nap-of-the-earth H225M Caracals procured from 2004- communications systems; improved engine
and terrain-masking flight profiles. 2013, and a number of legacy SA330 air filters; titanium rotor blades; and
USAF PJs and navy rescue swimmers Pumas. The latter will reportedly be advanced night flying capability.
are critical members of CSAR helicopter replaced soon by transferring seven Italy has also evolved robust CSAR forces
crews. PJ training takes nearly two years Caracals from the army’s 4th Special since the 1990s in the air force and navy.
to complete and has the highest attrition Forces Aviation Regiment as it At the forefront is the Leonardo Helicopters
rate in the US military. Following initial standardises on an SF variant of the HH-101A Caesar, operated by the air force’s
selection and training, PJs complete basic NHIndustries NH90TTH Caiman. 15th Wing at Cervia, part of 1st Special
airborne and military free-fall procedures, Meanwhile, Caracal firepower is being Operations Air Brigade. Among the most
paramedic certification, and survival upgraded with a Nexter SH20 retractable capable CSAR platforms in the world, the
evasion resistance and escape training. gun mount for the 20mm M621 cannon, first Caesars entered service in 2015 with
Finally, after learning specific helicopter providing NVG and laser-aiming capability. 12 on order for delivery through 2019, with
crew member duties, including hoist The air force is also integrating three options likely to be taken up.
operations, they complete an retractable FN Herstal M3M 12.7mm The Caesar has: three M134 7.62mm
apprenticeship period before being heavy machine guns on the Caracal, pintle-mounted rotary guns on the right and
declared fully operational. The system for which have already received Euroflir 350 left sides and the rear ramp; armoured
navy rescue swimmers is similar and EO/IR sensor turrets. cockpit seats, ballistic protection for
takes a year or more to complete. From 2019, the French Air Force will gunners and for critical systems; an
In a CSAR recovery operation, the role of finally have dedicated aerial refuelling integrated EW system; and advanced
PJs and rescue swimmers is to make capability to support 1/67’s increased sensors, communications and self-
contact with and secure survivors on the strength of 17 CSAR H225Ms equipped protection systems, including IFF, crypto,
ground or in the water. They verify their with refuelling probes. Link 16, a Gabbiano radar system, a FLIR
identity and perform any required medical As part of a Franco-German programme system, laser warning receiver, and a
stabilisation, before ensuring safe transfer to jointly obtain and operate 12 Lockheed missile launch detection system.
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With a crew of six, the HH-101A has
additional seating for up to eight troops or
survivors, and is equipped for aerial
refuelling from air force KC-130Js.
Italian Navy frontline CSAR capability
resides in eight Leonardo AW101s and ten
NH90TTHs, primarily focused on
supporting the amphibious landing force
and naval SOF. Other embarked navy
AW101s and NH90NFHs can also conduct
CSAR if required.
Conspicuous in the absence of dedicated
CSAR capability is the UK, which primarily
relies on US forces during combined
A French Air Force exchange pilot in the cockpit of an HH-60G Pave Hawk. (Photo: US DoD)
operations. If available, the limited Chinook
Mk 6 assets found in the RAF’s No 7
Squadron can be tasked for CSAR on top of
their primary SF support role. deployed specialist operators of its own Israeli CH-53s a decade ago was effective,
similar to American PJs. the airframes date from the 1970s and
Learning lessons The Mi-8AMTSh is still the platform of urgently require replacement.
Russia’s extensive air campaign in Syria since choice. It is rugged and dependable, with a A version of the Bell-Boeing MV-22
late 2015 launched an effort to rapidly generous payload, as well as being heavily Osprey tiltrotor was under consideration,
develop and deploy effective CSAR capability. armed and armoured. but the concept was shelved in 2015,
This was pointedly brought home by the Presumably, lessons learned in Syria will leaving Sikorsky’s CH-53K as the most
November 2015 downing of a Russian be applied to further improve Russian CSAR likely successor, with potential deliveries
Sukhoi Su-24 bomber by a Turkish Air Force capability in other theatres, such as eastern from the early 2020s.
F-16 along the Turkish border. Following a Ukraine. For example, a feature of Russia’s Unit 669 operators are trained similarly
successful ejection, the pilot was killed in war in Syria is the need for personnel to USAF PJs, undergoing extensive
his parachute by fire from Syrian opposition recovery in combat conditions beyond just- medical and combat instruction. Specially
fighters, while the navigator landed safely downed aircrew. qualified doctors and paramedics provide
and evaded capture. The proliferation of Russian SF teams, inflight emergency medical treatment to
Two Russian Mi-8AMTSh aircraft advisers, combat controllers, recovered personnel.
attempted to find and recover the crew, communicators, logisticians and For Israel, the CSAR/personnel recovery
but one was badly damaged by small-arms intelligence operatives scattered across the mission covers more than just downed
fire from Syrian militants, killing a naval battlespace stipulates an ability to recover aircrew, with many known recoveries
infantryman on board and necessitating injured or isolated personnel in potentially involving compromised SF teams and
an emergency landing. Survivors and the high-risk circumstances. individual soldiers cut off from their units in
casualty were subsequently recovered by hostile territory such as Lebanon. Aircrew
the other helicopter and the abandoned Hostile territory are the primary focus though. Adversaries
aircraft was destroyed with a US-made The Israeli Air Force established a throughout the region put a high premium
BGM-71 TOW missile fired by Syrian rebel dedicated CSAR capability in the form of on capturing Israeli flyers.
forces. Russian forces then planned and Unit 669 at Tel Nof Air Base after the 1974
executed another recovery operation in Yom Kippur War. Its primary mission is Heavy losses
concert with Iranian-led forces in the area, locating and recovering downed aircrew. Elsewhere, the continuing Saudi Arabian-
using Russian helicopters and close air While it does not operate any helicopters, led air campaign against Yemen that
support (CAS). the unit provides specialists that work kicked off in 2015 further illustrates the
In the aftermath of this incident, Russian closely with CSAR-certified aircrews in the air vital importance of a CSAR component.
CSAR operations in Syria were overhauled force, drawing on two Lockheed Martin Best estimates available indicate that as
and beefed up with additional assets and CH-53 Yasur squadrons co-located at Tel of December 2017 at least 11 coalition
personnel. They now more closely mirror Nof, and the Sikorsky UH-60 squadrons at helicopters and eight fast jets were lost
those of the USAF, with improved other air bases. in Yemen operations. The breakout of
procedures, communications, intelligence KC-130H tankers support the Yasurs in accidents versus shootdowns is not clear,
and on-call CAS, including attack helicopters. CSAR operations with aerial refuelling and but most were Saudi, amounting to eight
While naval infantry and other SF can act as airborne C2 and helicopters – seven Boeing AH-64 Apache
operatives continue to support the mission, communications platforms. While the attack helicopters and one unknown
the Russian Air Force has trained and extensive Yasur 2025 upgrade applied to platform – and two jets. The UAE lost
10 DEFENCE HELICOPTER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 VOLUME 37 NUMBER 1 WWW.DEFENCEHELICOPTER.COM
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three helicopters and three jets, while detection system, flare dispensers, machine advantage of new technology and lessons
Bahrain, Jordan and Morocco each lost a gun mounts and a rescue hoist. learned on operations, other armed forces
single fighter. Speculation suggests they were originally are actively building or upgrading capability,
The extent to which there were CSAR procured for the Saudi Ministry of Interior, but including China, Germany, Japan, Russia
operations in connection with these losses is given the urgent demand for additional CSAR and Saudi Arabia.
not known, although both Saudi Arabia and assets, a number were transferred to the For many militaries, CSAR helicopter
the UAE are believed to have helicopter RSAF, probably to 99 Squadron. requirements and missions overlap with
assets forward deployed. These are most With the air campaign in Yemen likely to support for sophisticated special operations
likely the 11 Saudi Airbus H225M Caracals continue, and with the prospect of additional and low-level counter-insurgency
from 99 Squadron based at Khamis Mushait. large-scale operations elsewhere, clearly the operations, as well as national SAR
A number of KC-130H/J tankers are RSAF needs more CSAR assets, probably in responses, all of which require the ability to
available to support the Caracals if required. the form of a second dedicated squadron. operate around the clock in a variety of
The Royal Saudi Air Force also operates a This could mean additional H225M Caracals, demanding environmental conditions.
number of Bell 412s in the SAR role, which an order for more Sikorsky S-92s or perhaps Manufacturers are aware of the potential to
may also be actively supporting the air a number of new Sikorsky HH-60W CRHs. market existing platforms with the
campaign. Royal Saudi Land Forces Black appropriate sensors, systems and weapons
Hawks probably recovered survivors from Constant evolution for advanced CSAR.
Apaches lost in Yemen. Operational requirements for CSAR assets Reflecting the complex nature of
Intriguingly, various sources have reported are expected to produce a continuing requirements and the diversity of
on and published photographs of what increase in specialised rotorcraft platform competing manufacturers, we can expect
appear to be Saudi-operated, CSAR-equipped development and procurement for the further refinements to proven CSAR
Sikorsky S-92s in Djibouti, where they are well foreseeable future. platforms such as the H225M, AW101 and
positioned to cover coalition strikes into While France, Italy, the US and a few HH-60W, along with new entries in the field,
eastern Yemen. These dull grey aircraft are other countries that already field CSAR such as the Bell 525M and Russian
equipped with a FLIR system, missile launch forces will continue to evolve, taking Helicopters Mi-38. ■
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OEMs have long had their of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) will receive roles, as well as operating at sea from
H225Ms from Airbus Helicopters – DH amphibious vessels, frigates and Littoral
sights on the Southeast Asian believes the figure is 16 units – to replace Mission Vessels (LMVs).
market, where militaries are two squadrons of AS332/532 Super It is unknown whether the RSAF has
Pumas, while existing Chinooks will be chosen a refuelling probe, an item that
looking both to modernise supplemented by ten CH-47Fs. would see the air force’s Helicopter Group
existing fleets and replace In a November 2016 announcement, take on new skills and capabilities. Current
ageing squadrons, and the the Singaporean MoD (MINDEF) said the Super Pumas are maintained by ST
H225M and CH-47F possess better lift Aerospace, whose knowledge of the
last two years have certainly and reach, enabling the RSAF to meet airframe will be retained and put to
given cause for much requirements more efficiently, with fewer advantage in the new platform.
helicopters and personnel. Fabrice Rochereau, Airbus Helicopters’
optimism. By Gordon Arthur Media reports suggested prior to VP and head of sales for Southeast Asia
the announcement that Leonardo and Pacific, told DH that the ‘dynamic’
I
n DH Jan-Feb 2016 (p10) a feature on Helicopters’ AW101 and Airbus’ H225M region is important for his company. While
Southeast Asian prospects concluded had been shortlisted for the former he could not divulge details of the RSAF
that there was ‘a bright future for requirement. The H225M’s selection buy, he said it was an ‘iconic sale’ and
ASEAN’s military helicopter market’. Indeed, could have been influenced by the represented the largest regional contract
the past 24 months have borne out opportunity for a smooth transition for since Australia’s Tiger order.
that assessment, with a number of new the RSAF from the Super Puma. Rochereau noted there are 880 Airbus
helicopter deals signed and numerous military helicopters serving in Southeast
aircraft delivered. Fleet force Asia, constituting 17% of the regional fleet.
Singapore has progressed With the new fleet to be introduced While regional spending is increasing,
modernisation of its military helicopter by 2020, the H225Ms will perform he said ASEAN acquisitions tend to be
fleet with two orders logged. The Republic underslung load, troop lift and CSAR in smaller and recurrent batches as
A Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk of the RTA, which flies
a mixed fleet of UH-60Ls and UH-60Ms, purchased in
small batch orders. (All photos: author)
12 DEFENCE HELICOPTER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 VOLUME 37 NUMBER 1 WWW.DEFENCEHELICOPTER.COM
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militaries can often only afford to buy
fleets piecemeal.
‘Most of the time when they go in a
direction, recurrent orders are for the same
type,’ said Rochereau, explaining this was
because customers are now more conscious
of commonality and life-cycle costs. Of
course, this could auger well for a follow-on
Singaporean contract for more H225Ms.
Turning to the deal for ten Boeing
CH-47F Chinooks, this will permit the RSAF
to withdraw six CH-47Ds used by the
Peace Prairie training detachment in
Texas. The RSAF will continue to operate
ten CH-47SD versions in Singapore, all
fitted with long-range 2,068l fuel tanks
and nose-mounted radar.
Chinooks are important to Singapore’s air A Kamov Ka-28 helicopter of the Vietnam People’s Navy embarked aboard the Gepard-class frigate
projection capabilities, as well as helping VPNS Dinh Tien Hoang.
maintain a large flight information region by
serving as a long-range SAR platform.
The CH-47SDs are being modernised, The RSAF also operates Sikorsky S-70B 2016, the RTA received six H145s for VIP
most likely by ST Aerospace, with new Seahawks for the navy. Two extra aircraft transportation. The previous year, Thailand
antennas and fairings for radar-warning were delivered in 2015, adding to six acquired two H155s for surveying and
receivers, chaff and flare dispensers, and commissioned in 2011. The new mapping along national borders, as well as
a dome mounted on the left mid-fuselage. helicopters will probably work closely with SAR and other missions.
The latter likely houses a secure data the Independence-class LMVs. The army’s 1st Airmobile Company
link that enables the RSAF to maintain is operating eight Airbus AS550 C3e
communications when operating out Diverse suppliers platforms fitted with FN Herstal HMP400
of radio range. The flight console was The kingdom of Thailand operates the gun pods and FZ220 70mm rocket
revamped with a colour glass cockpit too, most eclectic rotary-winged fleet in all of launchers. These Fennecs conduct armed
and DH understands the engines were ASEAN, with just about every major OEM reconnaissance missions, forward air
included in the upgrade. represented somewhere in the armed control, close air support, cavalry convoy
forces, including Airbus, Bell, Enstrom, escort, suppressive fire missions and
Mindful modification Leonardo, Mil and Sikorsky. Of course, this support of drug-suppression units.
The RSAF also operates 20 Boeing AH-64D raises genuine questions over fleet support The RTA will need more Fennecs in the
Apaches that began entering service in and why the armed forces resorted to such future to replace ageing UH-1 gunships of
2002, with the fleet now undergoing a variety of suppliers. the 2nd Airmobile Company. Indeed, the
numerous modifications similar to the Over the past two years, there have army needs 30-plus helicopters to replace
Israeli AH-64D-I Saraf standard. The most been considerable numbers of orders and a fleet of more than 100 Hueys that are
distinct upgrade is installation of two deliveries. Beginning with the Royal Thai gradually being withdrawn. The RTA also
SATCOM domes on the wingtips, at least Army (RTA), in December 2016 Leonardo flies six Airbus UH-72A Lakotas.
three chaff and flare housings along the delivered six AW139s to round out a fleet It retired its six Boeing CH-47D Chinooks
tail boom, and possibly a further two on of ten that was initiated in 2012. The six in 2016, with most of their transportation,
the wing trailing edges. extras had been ordered in 2015 for $80 tactical support and SAR missions
Discussing this Apache modernisation million for the 1st Aviation Battalion for assumed by Sikorsky Black Hawks and
that is expected to take a few years, MINDEF utility and general transport missions. Russian Helicopters Mil Mi-17V-5s. It
told DH: ‘The upgrading programme involves Additionally, on 19 August 2016, the RTA received two of the latter in late 2015,
equipping the AH-64D with a helicopter signed a contract for five Leonardo AW149s boosting its inventory to five. The service
integrated electronic warfare system to with a budget of $92.8 million to replace requires up to a dozen extras and, to
enhance survivability, and SATCOM for more aging Bell UH-1Hs that are being phased sweeten the Mi-17V-5’s appeal, Russia
robust communications.’ out of service. Deliveries commenced in has proposed establishing an in-country
It is highly possible the electronic 2017, with platforms being used for utility, maintenance centre.
warning system is based on Elbit Systems’ SAR, medevac and troop transport tasks. The RTA will order four more
Passive Airborne Warning System or the Thailand has also been a happy hunting UH-60M Black Hawks after receiving US
Elisra Seraph system. ground for Airbus Helicopters. Early in Congressional approval last year. This will
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enable the army to field a complete RTN was the H145M’s first foreign non-recurring costs given the small number
squadron of 16 Black Hawks in the 9th customer and it expects to buy more to sought by Thailand.
Aviation Battalion located in Lopburi. replace its Bell 212 fleet. A Boeing spokesperson obliquely
RTA chief Gen Chalermchai Sitthisart told confirmed interest too: ‘There are at least
reporters in June 2016: ‘Recently… the Fierce competition three tenders from ASEAN customers
programme continued when the US OEMs are aligning themselves for an RTA forthcoming in the next two years for both
government gave approval to unfreeze attack helicopter RfP due for release in attack and utility helicopters. Boeing is in
its cooperation with the Thai army, and so early 2018. The army possesses seven close contact with all of these customers,
it is expected to buy four more helicopters AH-1F helicopters, but only a couple are offering the AH-6i light attack, AH-64E
under US Foreign Military Sales with a reportedly operational. Turkish Aerospace Apache and CH-47F Chinook.’
budget from the 2018 fiscal year.’ Industries (TAI) feels buoyant about its Additionally, John Woodbery, Bell
The Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) received prospects for this competition for six Helicopter’s military programmes director
four H225Ms by August 2015, and 203 aircraft, plus future options. Seeking a for Asia, told DH: ‘Bell is seeing robust
Squadron uses them for SAR, CSAR, troop foothold in the Southeast Asian market, interest around the region for combinations
transportation, medevac and other missions. TAI was pushing its T129 Atak at of the UH-1Y utility and AH-1Z attack
A pair of H225Ms was delivered in November’s Defense & Security exhibition helicopters to meet a number of varying
2016 and another two are on order for in Bangkok after having responded to an mission profiles.’ Noting that any potential
delivery next year. In all, the RTAF is earlier RfI. FMS is a government-to-government
planning on 16 SAR helicopters to replace However, the competition will be stiff. transaction, he could not discuss any Thai
17 40-year-old UH-1Hs, with Rochereau Other likely contenders are Bell’s AH-1Z offer, however.
voicing hope that he would sell more Viper, Boeing’s AH-64E Guardian, Kamov’s Nevertheless, Woodbery added: ‘Bell
H225Ms in the next two years. Ka-52 Alligator, Leonardo’s AW129, Helicopter’s AH-1Z and UH-1Y are attractive
Five H145M light utility helicopters Airbus’s H145M and Mil’s Mi-28. to those countries as they are the only built-
arrived at the Royal Thai Navy’s (RTN) Given Thailand’s current love affair with for-maritime-purpose, marinised-at-point-of-
U-Tapao Air Base in September 2016 Chinese equipment, Beijing could offer the manufacture, attack and armed utility
to join 202 Squadron. Apart from Z-10 as well. However, sources in Thailand helicopters. As such, the appreciation for
transportation, the H145Ms are used as indicate the RTA is disinterested in the marinised features of these aircraft
light attack platforms to support Thai Chinese-made helicopters given their has attracted the attention of customers
marines and riverine operations, with unknown reliability. who would have normally procured any
two MAG 58F 7.62mm machine guns, Rochereau said Airbus Helicopters will commercial helicopter repurposed for
and possibly 70mm rockets and other push the H145M instead of the Tiger military use, or another “attack helicopter”
weapons in the future. Significantly, the because it is more multirole and has fewer designed for land combat, and would have
discovered the incompatibility with service
at sea post-sale.’ EO/
Three of the RMAF’s Airbus Helicopters H225Ms can be seen here flying over Langkawi during the Bell’s representative admitted: ‘The
LIMA exhibition. AH-1Z and UH-1Y are new aircraft and it
has taken a little time for the word to get
out, but as they become more visible on
their deployments around the world, we
could see new customers who fully
appreciate their capabilities, especially COM
their amphibious capabilities.’
Manila market
Whilst on the topic of attack helicopters,
the Philippines has recognised the need
for more twin-engine armed platforms after
the bitter five-month fight for Marawi on
Mindanao. Armed AW109E Powers, of
which the Philippine Air Force (PAF) has
eight, were used in that conflict.
The Department of National Defense,
echoing President Rodrigo Duterte’s
promise in November, said the PAF needs To learn more, cont
24 attack helicopters suitable for counter- cartenav.com
insurgency missions. No RfI has been
14 DEFENCE HELICOPTER JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 VOLUME 37 NUMBER 1 WWW.DEFENCEHELICOPTER.COM
DH-01-18_p12-18_ASEAN.indd 14 1/25/2018 12:28:48 PMEO/IR SEARCHLIGHT FMS MOTION TRACKING AIS
COMINT ASSET TRACKING ESM RADAR VIDAR
To learn more, contact us at info@cartenav.com.
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DH-01-18_p12-18_ASEAN.indd 15 1/25/2018 12:28:48 PMSA18_Visitor02_Shephard_205xx273.pdf 1 11/20/2017 6:55:08 PM
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issued, but funding will come via the
modernisation programme’s Horizon 2
covering 2018-22.
Because of a constrained budget, Manila
is obviously not in the market for a top-
drawer solution like the Apache. Instead,
Philippine requirements could be met by
additional AW109s or the H145M.
Incidentally, the call for twin-engine
platforms eliminates the likes of the Boeing
AH-6i and MD Helicopters MD 530G.
Airbus demonstrated an H145M in the
Philippines in late 2017, and Rochereau
confirmed it is being promoted to Manila as
a light attack helicopter, with systems such
as laser-guided rockets, missiles, machine
guns and FLIR. ‘We believe the air force is
interested in the H145M,’ he claimed. Singapore was the first Southeast Asian nation to induct the Apache attack helicopter, and its AH-
64Ds are now undergoing an upgrade programme.
Duterte has enthusiastically embraced
China and Russia in recent times, but only
a bold commentator would imagine the PAF
flying an armed platform from either of 16-compatible data link, Blue Shark Wescam FLIRs and Thales Scorpion helmet-
these countries any time soon. torpedo launchers, Spike NLOS missiles, mounted cueing systems were all selected.
Meanwhile, Bell delivered the last of 12.7mm machine guns and external The MD 530Gs will operate under the
eight 412EPs to the PAF in August 2015. rescue hoist. East Sabah Security Command in a region
Building on this, the company appears to This sale capped off a very successful where a Filipino rebel incursion occurred
have cornered a follow-on order for 16 Bell campaign in the Philippines for Leonardo, in 2013.
412 combat utility helicopters. Manila and with the PN already operating five Malaysia also operates an elderly fleet,
the Canadian Commercial Corporation are AW109E Powers. estimated at 27, of Sikorsky S-61A-4 Nuri
believed to have signed an implementing helicopters. MRO provider Airod signed an
arrangement last July. Scouting for platforms MoU with Heli-One in April 2016 that paved
Woodbery commented: ‘For Bell After the Malaysian Army had sought the way for the Royal Malaysian Air Force
Helicopter, ASEAN is an important market. attack helicopters for years, the country’s (RMAF) to extend the Nuris’ lives by 15
The region is comprised of nations with defence minister confirmed an $82.6 years. This course of action was foisted
unique security needs that Bell, more than million purchase of six MD 530G light upon the service because funds have
any other aircraft manufacturer, is best scout helicopters in January 2016. permitted only 12 H225Ms to be acquired
situated to serve… We have made it a Speaking at the LIMA exhibition last to date.
priority to strengthen our relationship March, Craig Kitchen, chief commercial Airod is performing this upgrade that
with government and industry leaders officer of MD Helicopters, promised the includes, amongst others, the UNS-1Lw
throughout the region.’ army would receive its first and possibly flight management system and EFI-890H
It is critical that OEMs provide timely second MD 530G before the end of 2017, flight displays from Universal Avionics
maintenance support when militaries instead of the original schedule of Systems, a EuroAvionics EuroNav 7 mission
acquire their products, and Woodbery December 2016. Kitchen put the delay computer and Telephonics RDR-1600
said of Bell: ‘As a matter of contractual down to straightening out contractual search radar.
agreement, Bell will provide field service issues and gaining certification for Kuala The modernised flight deck will enable
representatives to assist with technical and Lumpur’s customised options. However, the helicopter to fly in all weather and
logistical tasks… Bell continues to be the this revised schedule was not met day/night conditions. The first S-61
world’s leader in customer care for military either, with DH understanding that the installation was completed by March
and commercial sales.’ Malaysian government has been late in 2017. The army air corps will eventually
The Philippines will later become an AW159 its payments. receive 12 Nuris, with the rate of
Wildcat user following a $115 million deal Malaysian MD 530Gs have a handover dependent on the pace of their
inked in early 2016. The Philippine Navy (PN) glass cockpit with improved mission scheduled MROs.
will use them for ASW, anti-surface warfare management system. Armaments include
and other tasks aboard two new frigates. Dillon Aero M134 mini-guns, pods for Common ground
Mission equipment includes a dipping guided/unguided rockets and the FN Incidentally, the purchase of the H225M by
register
sonar, Seaspray 7000 radar, FLIR, Link Herstal RMP gun pod. Harris radios, L3 Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and
WWW.DEFENCEHELICOPTER.COM VOLUME 37 NUMBER 1 JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2018 DEFENCE HELICOPTER 17
DH-01-18_p12-18_ASEAN.indd 17 1/25/2018 12:28:51 PMYou can also read
