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Aviation History
2002
2002 - 0251.PDF
DEFENCE HELICOPTER DEVELOPMENT PAUL LEWIS / WASHINGTON DC US Army focuses on CH-47 to meet heavylif t requirements Research funding is being channelled from FTR towards unmanned air vehicles research The US Army is beginning to pay closer attention to further growth developments of the Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter as a nearer- term solution to meeting its heavy- lift requirements. Department of Defense science and technology funding is being diverted away from an all-new Future Transport Rotorcraft (FTR) and funnelled into unmanned air vehicle research. With FTR on the back burner, US Army Aviation planners are having to look at alternatives including a follow-on programme to the cur rent CH-47F Improved Cargo The Brunei armed forces are once again attempting to revive a long standing requirement for a mar itime patrol aircraft (MPA) to help protect the country's exclusive eco nomic zone against illegal fishing and other incursions. The sultanate also has a require ment for helicopters to equip three offshore patrol vessels (OPV) being built in the UK, but cannot launch a tender in the near term because of budgetary constraints. Brunei has been receiving pre sentations from several MPA plat form and mission system suppliers Helicopter (ICH). Designated the CH-47X, this would have a 30,870kg (68,0001b) or higher max imum take-off weight, compared with the CH-47D/F's 22,680kg. Options being considered are adding funding around fiscal year 2012 (requiring a FY08 decision) to remanufacture into CH-47Fs, the 131 Ds that are not part of the ICH programme, or developing the helicopter further, according to Gen Joe Bergantz, head of the army's aviation programme execu tive office. The first of 300 mod ernised CH-47Fs, along with 36 in recent weeks, say industry sources. Although Brunei is still refining its requirement, it is expected that initially only one aircraft will be procured. Likely to be considered are the EADS Casa-built CN235-3O0, or larger C295, equipped with the company's Fully Integrated Tactical System, while Indonesian Aero space (IAe) is also expected to offer its version of the CN235 but needs to team with a mission system sup plier. Raytheon is understood to have presented a Beech 1900D- based solution, and Bombardier MH-47G special forces helicopters, will be delivered in 2004. Much will hinge on the final weight of the army's Future Combat System (FCS) armoured vehicle, which will form the back bone of its fighting force. Earlier FTR studies had worked on the assumption that FCS would be in the 20t class. The CH-47D can carry around 12,700kg, but over a limited range. The improved 3,100kW (4,170shp) Honeywell T55-714 will provide the CH-47F with an improved margin particu larly in hot and high conditions. At the envisioned CH-47X oper ating weights, a new engine in the 4,470kW class would be needed. Options include a version of the Rolls-Royce T406 that powers the Bell Boeing V-22, or a more fuel efficient, new powerplant devel oped from the Joint Turbine Advanced Gas Generator Phase III programme. Either option would require all new dynamic compo nents, including four-blade rotors. Boeing is pushing to reduce Chinook's price to keep it competi tive. A CH-47SD costs $30-32 mil lion. The forward fuselage section 41 could be digitally redesigned and built using lean technology. could offer a Dash 8 MPA. Northrop Grumman may also team with a platform maker. Given Brunei's financial limits, one option may be to acquire an aircraft to be equipped with a mission system at a later date. Brunei's renewed interest in an MPA follows its abortive attempt to acquire three IAe-built CN235MPAs in the late 1990s which were to have been equipped with Raytheon APS-134 radars. ARGO System was selected as systems integrator. However only a single transport- configured CN235 was delivered, IN-FLIGHT REFUELLING Israel to convert more Boeing 707s into tankers The Israeli air force is increasing its air-to-air refuelling capability by converting additional Boeing 707s into tankers. The air force recently awarded another con tract to the Bedek division of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI), for the conversion of a number of 707-300s. The contract comes a year after Bedek converted another 707-300 into a tanker. The modification includes installation of new cockpit avion ics, including a new mission computer with colour displays and advanced communication systems. Bedek says the upgrade will allow Israel to keep its 707 tankers beyond 2020. Recently the air force started to evaluate the purchase of surplus US Air Force Boeing KC-135 tankers, in addition to acquiring more 707s. Israel already uses Lockheed Martin C-130s for aerial refuelling. • Airbus chief executive Noel Forgeard says the indirect US government support Boeing is receiving for its 767 in-flight refu elling tanker programme means Airbus will find it "very difficult" to match the US manufacturer's bid to supply the UK's Future Strategic Tanker Aircraft. after MPA funding was withdrawn. Two of the OPVs have already been built, with the first due for delivery next year. Up to six heli copters could eventually be required but Brunei sources say a lack of funds means that a tender launch has been delayed. Given Brunei's close links with the UK, the AgustaWestland Super Lynx is seen as a strong candidate but is likely to face competition from Sikorsky offering the S-70 Black Hawk/Seahawk - a type already in Brunei service - and Kaman with the SH-2G Super Seasprite. A proposed CH-47X would have higher gross weight than the CH-47D MARITIME SURVEILLANCE ANDREW DOYLE / SINGAPORE Brunei again looks to secure MPA acquisition www.flightinternational.com FLIGHT INTERNATIONAL 29 JANUARY - 4 FEBRUARY 2002 21
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