Defence

Eight companies are preparing bids for a Singaporean tender seeking a new fleet of leased trainers for its basic pilot training course in Western Australia.

Singapore earlier this year shortlisted the Aermacchi M311, Embraer EMB-314 Super Tucano, Pilatus PC-21 and Raytheon T-6 Texan II as potential candidates to replace its fleet of Aermacchi S211s based at Australia’s Pearce airbase (Flight International, 10-16 May). Other aerospace companies can also submit bids, as long as they use one of the shortlisted aircraft.

Industry sources say the Singaporean air force last week held an industry briefing at Pearce attended by eight companies interested in serving as prime contractor. These include Perth-based aircraft maintenance and sales company Airflite, Aermacchi, BAE Systems, Bombardier, Elbit Systems, Embraer, Lockheed Martin and Singapore Technologies Aerospace (ST Aero).

While Aermacchi and Embraer are considering submitting their own bids, they have also been approached by some of the other potential prime contractors, which could result in multiple bids for the M311 and Super Tucano.

Pilatus and Raytheon have decided against seeking a prime role because they do not want to self-finance the sale of the 20 aircraft required to operate the Basic Wings Course.

Sources say ST Aero has forged a partnership with Raytheon Aircraft that ensures it will be the only company offering the T-6. But they add Pilatus is talking to at least two companies interested in acquiring PC-21s and multiple bids could be submitted.

Bids were originally due in August, but Singapore is expected to move the deadline to early October. A winner will be selected early next year.

The prime contractor will be required to provide aircraft from April 2008 on a per-hour basis, plus simulators, other ground training equipment and support personnel. Singapore will continue to supply its own instructors.

The prime contractor must also partner an Australian company to maintain the new fleet of trainers.

BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE