AUSTRALIA IS EXPECTED to issue a request for proposals in September, for a new naval helicopter, to equip ANZAC frigates being built jointly with New Zealand. The requirement is for a maritime patrol helicopter smaller than the anti-submarine Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk, operated from Royal Australian Navy FFG frigates.
Australia requires 14 missile-armed helicopters, with options for nine more, to equip the ANZAC frigates and new offshore-patrol vessels. New Zealand has already issued a request for tenders for four helicopters, with options for two more, but may delay its procurement plans to align them with those of Australia.
Contenders are the Eurocopter AS.565 Panther, the Kaman SH-2G SeaSprite, the Sikorsky S-76N and the Westland Super Lynx. Eurocopter is almost certain to be barred from bidding for the contracts, because of French plans for nuclear tests in the Pacific.
Australia and New Zealand are sharing data, as their requirements are very similar. New Zealand's need to replace Westland Wasps on Leander-class frigates drives the requirement for an under 6,350kg helicopter, as does Australia's desire to operate the helicopter from its 80m-class offshore vessels.
New Zealand wants deliveries to begin in the second quarter of 1997, to coincide with the service entry of the first ANZAC ship.
Source: Flight International