Defence Update – Navy Helicopter RFT Issued

New Helicopters For Navy

The Navy and Defence have scheduled the awarding of a contract to buy 14 intermediate marinised helicopters for the new ANZAC frigates for next November. The Request for Tender (RFT) for Project SEA 1411 was released on October 18 and includes a commonality factor for similar type helicopters to be ordered when a decision is made to go forward with the new Offshore Patrol Combatant. The RAN also expects to let a contract in September next year to add FLIR (forward looking infrared) and ESM (electronic support measures) capabilities to the current 16 Sikorsky Seahawk helicopters embarked in the six FFG frigates and for associated training tasks. At the time of writing, an early start on the RAN’s OPVs is currently waiting on a Malaysian Government decision on whether or not it will proceed with the Australian Malaysian Joint Patrol Vessel project. If that joint project, which would see vessels built to a common design by the Victorian headquartered Transfield Defence Systems at Williamstown, does not proceed, an RAN patrol boat replacement project for the in service Fremantle Class boats is expected to be brought forward. The RAN order is expected to be for nine vessels, with an option for a further three. One of the key requirements is that they are helicopter capable, and compatible with those to be operated from the eight ANZAC frigates, the first of which is due to commission in April next year. Hence the relative urgency of the helicopter acquisition. The RFT for the 14 intermediate helicopters, as already mentioned, went out on October 18. It is scheduled to close on February 20 next year. An industry briefing was held in Canberra on November 17. The main contenders are seen as the Eurocopter Panther (French-German), the Kaman SH-2G (USA), the Sikorsky S-76N (USA), and the Westland Navy Lynx (United Kingdom). A few others have shown interest, but are not highly rated. The initial 14 helicopters will provide for dedicated flights from each of the ANZAC frigates and for training. They will be expected to operate for a minimum of 25 years from the delivery date, and be capable of flying at least 10,000 hours in that time. Defined roles encompass surface surveillance, anti ship warfare, anti submarine warfare, contact investigation and counter infiltration, utility and training. They will be required to operate with a nominal crew of two. Equipment will include: A 360 deg maritime surveillance radar; An electronic support measures (ESM) suite for passive surveillance and self protection; FLIR (forward looking infrared) for passive classification of targets, including at night and in poor weather; Communication and navigation equipment for operation in military and civil airspace; A datalink capable of data transmission to the parent ship; and An integrated air-to-surface missile. There is a requirement for the first helicopter to be delivered as quickly as possible, and that subsequent deliveries be at an agreed economical production rate. The RFT documentation is structured to determine the costs/benefits and advantages/disadvantages of the procurement of the same type of helicopter for both the ANZAC frigates and the Offshore Patrol Combatants. The option for OPC helicopters is intended to be exercised within a three year period of signature of the initial contract. There is an option for delivery of both the ANZAC and OPC helicopters under the one contract, with the OPC machines stored until delivery if required. Alternatively the contractor may prefer to manufacture the helicopters in two batches to match the two delivery requirements. 76 Australian Aviation December 1995 contract or may prefer to manufacture the helicopters in two batches to match the two delivery requirements. Part offers are being invited from the suppliers of the Air-to-Surface missile, major components of the logistic support package and the Operational Flight Trainer. The OFT is being sought as part of the helicopter procurement. The principal aircrew training aids are to be available from the delivery of the first helicopter. Options are sought for the required logistic support package. The Commonwealth has a preference for the option under which it (through the Naval Aircraft Logistics Office- NALO) would conduct Operational Maintenance, and the successful tenderer would be contracted (for up to 10 years) for a range of logistic support services for the helicopter and associated equipment. However it says the procurement of a small number of helicopters may be insufficient to make this option viable. The second option includes the Commonwealth purchasing a range and depth of spares and test equipment. If Australia and New Zealand happen to select the same type of helicopter and/or systems then a broader base for regional support of the helicopter and its systems could be established, and could make the first option more achievable. However selection of the ANZAC/OPC helicopter will be made independently (and later) of the New Zealand ANZAC Ship helicopter, although there is close co-ordination and co-operation between the two navies. The RAN’s ANZAC RFT is structured to achieve optimum commonality with other Australian Defence Force projects and in-service equipment. Considerable detail is sought from tenderers in order to achieve the highest possible cost effective value for money in terms of commonality. These include in-country support, through life costs, and whether the system is manufactured in Australia and the degree of Australian content. Tenderers are also required to propose air-to-surface missile alternatives in addition to the air-to-surface missile currently certified with their helicopter. The important Australian Industry Involvement (AII) objectives relate to local industry capability that is strategically important to cover through life support to critical aircraft systems. AII related developments are also to take into account the potential for extension of export sales. The critical aircraft systems include tactical sensors, weapons, and the tactical data system for Life of Type of the helicopter. The release of the Request for Tender for Project SEA 1405 (Phases 1 & 2) covers the supply, installation and integration of FLIR and ESM/ECM in the Seahawks, a matter which had been deferred in earlier Budgets. The RFT went out on October 21 and is timed to close on March 6. Contract signature is planned for September, 1996. These were major system operational deficiencies which it was recognised would have to be addressed when the Sikorsky S-70B-2 Seahawks were commissioned into RAN service in July 1992 after considerable delays. The additional capabilities will provide Electronic Support Measures (ESM) and associated Electronic Counter Measures (ECM) as Phase 1, and FLIR imaging as Phase 2. Enhancement of the S-70B-2 Flight Simulator and Systems Support Centre at Nowra. Further capabilities are designed to enhance the role of the Destroyer Force in its role of surveillance, maritime patrol and response, and protection of shipping, offshore resources and territories; improvement of the Seahawk’s combat capability; and the provision of a degree of self-protection. A high level of Australian Industry Involvement (AII) is required in the supply and support of the equipment.