South African firm Denel is in discussion with Brazil's Embraer over possible industrial participation in its C-390 transport project, while also seeking expanded co-operation with AgustaWestland on the A109 light utility helicopter.
Denel Saab Aerostructures, which is currently 80% owned by the South African company, hopes to design and manufacture part of the proposed C-390 using its experience from producing wing/fuselage fairings (WFF) and other composite structures for the Airbus Military A400M.
Citing Denel's "unique capabilities" developed for the European project, chief executive Shaun Liebenberg believes the company "must be a contender" to supply similar structures for the C-390 a military design which will use elements of Embraer's E-190 regional jet.
Denel Saab Aerostructures officials say they are eyeing a risk-sharing position on the Brazilian transport, which is being developed to rival types including the Lockheed Martin C-130J. Involvement on the C-390 would not pose a conflict of interests with Denel's role in producing the WFF and top shells for the A400M, including eight aircraft on order for the South African Air Force, they add. The WFF is currently the subject of a design modification, as part of an effort to remove weight from the troubled A400M.
The Denel/Saab venture also hopes to reach an agreement with AgustaWestland this year, under which it could become a production "centre of excellence" for military and civilian A109s.
The SAAF recently accepted its 22nd of 30 LUH airframes from Denel: the second to have had its fuselage manufactured entirely at the company's Kempton Park facility near Johannesburg. The remainder will be delivered by year-end, with Denel also under subcontract to build a further five A109s for Nigeria. Liebenberg says he is comfortable that further orders are "there for us to lose".
Source: Flight International
