Bell/Agusta Aerospace and Eurocopter appear set to share the spoils in the Irish defence ministry's up to €50 million ($66.3 million) military helicopter contest, following an announcement on 26 November .
Four AB139s and two EC135s have been selected, says defence minister Willie O'Dea. Contracts for both new fleets of aircraft should be signed by mid-December, with deliveries to start during 2005. The aircraft will replace the Irish Air Corps' current helicopter types, including the Aerospatiale SA316 Alouette and Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin.
Meanwhile, Bell/Agusta expects to receive type certification for its 6,000kg (13,200lb) -class AB139 before year-end.
Source: Flight International