ANDREW DOYLE / SINGAPORE

Competition for naval requirement cut down to Eurocopter Cougar, NH Industries NH90 and Sikorsky Seahawk

The Singapore Government has shortlisted the Eurocopter AS532SC Cougar, NH Industries NH90 and Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk to meet its requirement for a new naval helicopter to equip six La Fayette-class frigates. It has also issued a request for information (RFI) for its fighter competition.

Manufacturers still in the competition have been asked by the defence ministry to respond to a request for proposals (RFP) by the end of January with bids covering eight aircraft, clearing the way for a selection in 2002.

As part of the deal Singapore plans to take options on additional helicopters for use by the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) in the utility role.

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The field was narrowed after AgustaWestland decided not to bid the Lynx, and EH Industries and US company Kaman were not invited to submit the EH101 and SH-2G Super Seasprite, respectively.

The EH101, at nearly 15t, is considered too large to meet the 10- to 12t-class helicopter requirement, while it is believed the smaller Lynx and Seasprite would have been unable to loiter on-station long enough with a full mission system and weapons load.

The NH90 is widely seen as the favourite to win the Singapore competition, but meeting the in-service date of 2005 could be a problem unless the French or Italian navies agree to surrender some early-delivery slots.

The fighter RFI has been issued for the Boeing F-15and F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Lockheed Martin F-16 and Sukhoi Su-35.

The RSAF is also seeking to replace its McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawks.

Planning calls for an RFP to be issued to a shortlist of bidders in 12-18 months, ahead of a final selection in 2004.

Source: Flight International