NZ Light Utility Helicopter Tender Released

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KH-12

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Whiskyjack said:
LTDP-06 has a budget of $110m, I am guessing 6-8 based on that figure.
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Sweden purchased 20 A109M (HkpP15 ) (including 8 navalised variants) for a reported 1.4 B Kroner which works out at about $NZ14M per aircraft including the full package of training / support and spares (although I have seen a reported amount as low as $NZ8.4M), so the $110 should be good enough for the RNZAF to acquire 8 operational aircraft, if not then the MOD negiotiating abilities should be questioned ;) , as with the tender they have already selected by default the A109 I would suspect that prices have already been discussed in reasonable detail with AW. There is the possibility that they may wish to come in well under budget after the NH90 miscalculation and only opt for 6 airframes initially. :(
 
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mug

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From here:

Tenders were requested last week for six new Light Utility helicopters, valued at up to $110 million, to complement the eight new NH90 medium utility helicopters for which a contract has been signed.
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Guess it's only six then.
 
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Whiskyjack

Honorary Moderator / Defense Professional / Analys
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KH-12 said:
Unless they can get more for under the $110M I suspect, they will be very concious of not exceeding the budget and may be using the 6 as a safe number after originally talking of upto 12 NH90 :rolleyes:
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More likely they will get 6 and then tell everyone that they have come in under budget. That always makes the Govt and bean counters happy. :D
 
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stray_kiwi

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What options will come with the A-109 for S&R work in snow or mountainous terrain where wheeled undercarriage isn't suitable?
 
G

Gibbo

Well-Known Member
Does anyone know if the 'marinised' A109 variant(s) has folding blades? I've been digging around but can't confirm this - surely it would be a pre-req for them to embark on the OPV's etc. (Hey SeaToby - what about the USCG MH68 Stingray - do you know if they have folding blades?)

As for numbers the govt seems to have quite clearly set the expectation of 6 airframes - totally agree that's not near enough although I guess the requirement for a 'flight training device' as mentioned in the tender doc will mean some initial training won't require an airframe. I guess it will also fill out the $110m budget (6 a/c + 1 FTD).

Actually with training; light-util; poss patrol op's - allow for mainteancne and that's almost as many roles as there will be airframes! Admittedly the squeeze on airframe numbers won't bite until the RNZAF start retiring the Hueys around 2010 by which time the A109 will have proved itself & I almost put money on the fleet expanding once they start paying the operating costs of the NH-90.

The airframes subject of the current tender doc will be basic - no weapons, sensors etc. My pick is a second batch early next decade that will be higher spec'd & tasked with some form of light attack capability (will require a change of govt, but by then this bunch in power s/be gone!)
 
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contedicavour

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Yes blades can be folded on all navalized Agusta models, such as the latest AB139 just ordered by the Japanese, or the NH90 itself.

cheers
 
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Sea Toby

New Member
Most military helicopters today have folding blades, especially if they are designated to be either transported abroad by ship or operate shipborne. While I am not certain, if New Zealand wishes to use their A-109s, not to mention for their NH90s, for shipborne operations with the MRV, I would assume both will have folding blades. Its not like folding blades cost that much more. Plus, even for land based operations, its easier to store folding bladed helicopters into hangars during a storm.

I'm certain all of the USCG's helicopters have folding blades. I'll say it again, its not like they cost that much more.

I suspect New Zealand may acquire a 7th frame of the A-109s similar to the 9th frame of the NH90s for maintenance training purposes as part of the support package.

I'm also interested in the twin engine trainer. Would a Bombardier Q-200 (DHC-8) be too large? It could fill in like an old Andover, capable of more than just training, being able to also do small transport duties better.
 
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stryker NZ

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ahh the Snark it looks good but i havent really heard anything about it for a while and i doubt the current government would go for anything other than the SAR version.
 
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