Chile is acquiring a pair of Airbus A310-200s for presidential transport and air-to-air refuelling duties under a $104 million deal with EADS.
The European aircraft will replace the air force's Boeing 737-500 and the contract with EADS covers the purchase and overhaul of the two A310s, plus the conversion of one of the airliners to multi-role tanker/transport configuration.
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The first is due to be delivered before the end of 2007, and both will be equipped with forward side-cargo doors and auxiliary fuel tanks.
The Chilean air force had been evaluating potential replacements for its range-limited 737 for nearly two years and had also sought a long-range tactical/strategic transport aircraft, which led to its abortive attempt to acquire three Airbus Military A400Ms. Chile needs the strategic transports to support its United Nations commitment to maintain a peacekeeping force in Haiti.
The air force has also announced the $45 million purchase of four Bell 412EPs to fulfil its medium-lift helicopter requirement. Support requirements played a key role in the decision, as the service already operates four Bell 412s.
Source: Flight International
