Choppers for RSN delta frigates
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Choppers for Navy: 3 firms in the running
They'll be invited to submit bids to supply helicopters fitted with anti-ship missiles; aircraft are to be deployed on warships
By David Boey
THE Republic of Singapore Navy's long, three-year search for its first ship-borne helicopters is entering the final phase.
Choppers in the running include the Cougar (above), from France-based Eurocopter, and the NH-90 (below), made by European consortium NHIndustries. The helicopters are expected to perform a variety of roles, including surveillance, and anti-ship and anti-submarine combat missions.
Three shortlisted companies will be invited later this month to prepare their 'best and final offers' for submission.
The offers - essentially the best price they can give - will be for up to eight helicopters.
These helicopters will be the first in the Singapore Armed Forces' arsenal to be armed with anti-ship missiles and deployed on warships.
The three choppers being considered are a modified variant of the SH-70(N) Sea Hawk from United Technologies (UTC), a United States-based company; the Cougar from France-based Eurocopter; and the NH-90, which is made by European consortium NHIndustries.
Singapore's search for naval warfare helicopters dates back to the 1980s, when a team of engineers was sent to Egypt to evaluate an offer by the country to sell second-hand Sea King anti-submarine choppers, but nothing came of that.
The current search began after the Navy ordered six 110-metre stealth frigates from France in 2000.
A helicopter will be carried by each of the frigates, which will be the largest missile-armed warships in the Navy. The first frigate should be delivered in 2005.
In addition, two more helicopters will be required for shore-based training and as replacement choppers when others undergo maintenance.
The helicopters are expected to carry both anti-submarine torpedoes and anti-ship missiles.
Once the Defence Ministry asks for the best and final offers, the three companies will have a month or so to submit their prices.
The bids will then be examined by the Defence Science & Technology Agency, the national authority on military technology.
This process should be completed by early next year, after which the successful bidder will be announced. -
Place yer' bets...which isit gonna be?
I'm betting on the merlin
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SAF looking at acquiring ASW helicopters in 80s !!!Originally posted by IAF:Singapore's search for naval warfare helicopters dates back to the 1980s, when a team of engineers was sent to Egypt to evaluate an offer by the country to sell second-hand Sea King anti-submarine choppers, but nothing came of that.
Interesting old news , wondering what other interesting " news etc " we "miss out " -
You've lost your own bet, the Merlin (EH101) has already been knocked out...Originally posted by IAF:Place yer' bets...which isit gonna be?
I'm betting on the merlin -
malu-malu! i mean the NH90Originally posted by Viper52:You've lost your own bet, the Merlin (EH101) has already been knocked out...
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IIRC, one 'Back to the future' news includes the MLRS.Originally posted by thomasct:SAF looking at acquiring ASW helicopters in 80s !!!
Interesting old news , wondering what other interesting " news etc " we "miss out " -
i'll pick NH-90 also
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NH90 looks cool too...
hmm whats the difference (if any) between SH70N and USN SH60B/F/R?? anyone knows? -
okie i just did a detailed study on the picture of the RSN frigate with the Helo and compare them with the 3 finalists.
My findings:
1) The RSN Helo seems to be wider, the only Helo which is wide seems to be the SH-70. The other 2 are both narrower and longer.
2) The back tail as observed in the picture, is on both side, again the only helo which features this is the SH-70. The NH90 hardly have a backtail and the Cougar only has on 1 side.
My choice is the SH-70. This is just my opionion, feel free to share urs. -
okie i just did a detailed study on the picture of the RSN frigate with the Helo and compare them with the 3 finalists.
My findings:
1) The RSN Helo seems to be wider, the only Helo which is wide seems to be the SH-70. The other 2 are both narrower and longer.
2) The back tail as observed in the picture, is on both side, again the only helo which features this is the SH-70. The NH90 hardly have a backtail and the Cougar only has on 1 side.
My choice is the SH-70. This is just my opinion, feel free to share urs. -
IMO, i believe RSN may select the NH90 - as a consolation prize to the french, who have a 62.5% stake in the chopper program. Consolation, in case, the Rafale not be selected for the RSAF next gen fighter program....but then, you'll never know
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hhhmmm....reminds mi of the procurement of the attack heli programme....clash of the french vs americans
except nw got 2 french heli vs 1 american..... -
then we'll end up making a politcally-motivated decision rather than picking the best chopper.... jus like what our frens up north do. french ought to lose if they cant offer a better product. at least we dont pay in palm oil
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hey speaking about the Naval Chopper.
Recently the Pentagon official whos incharge of the US defense Procurement came down...Maybe there could be some news soon i guess -
I hope NH90 wins the competition. It will most likely be better integrated with the Delta Frigates.Originally posted by Orcishwarrior:hey speaking about the Naval Chopper.
Recently the Pentagon official whos incharge of the US defense Procurement came down...Maybe there could be some news soon i guess
Having said this, I read that this purchase has further implication as RSAF is looking at a Huey replacement. Getting the naval helo may imply that an army/land version might be purchased for RSAF. -
that is what i heard also.......Originally posted by Joe Black:Having said this, I read that this purchase has further implication as RSAF is looking at a Huey replacement. Getting the naval helo may imply that an army/land version might be purchased for RSAF.