South Korea's coastguard is seeking to acquire up to five new maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft, with the PZL-Meilec M28 Skytruck considered the favoured candidate.
Industry sources say eight turboprop manufacturers have submitted bids for an initial acquisition of one aircraft in 2005. Budget permitting, the coastguard is expected to acquire a further four aircraft between 2006 and 2009.
Sources say the Skytruck may be the only aircraft that meets South Korea's requirement and budget, which is limited to about $8 million per aircraft. Some of the other candidates are believed to be too expensive, including the ATR 42 and Bombardier Dash 8 Q200. The Antonov An-38 and Let L-410 are expected to be excluded because there are no maritime patrol variants now in service. Other aircraft being evaluated include the EADS Casa C-212, Beechcraft King Air 200 and Reims Aviation F406.
About five manufacturers submitted proposals last week, but a few invitees such as Antonov decided against bidding because they feel they have no chance of winning.
South Korea's coastguard, which before this year was known as the maritime police, now operates one Bombardier Challenger 604 and several helicopters.
BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International