Singapore's Naval Helicopter Acquisition

Ramjetmissile

New Member
REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE NAVY ACQUIRES SIX NEW NAVAL HELICOPTERS

MINDEF has signed a contract with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of the United States to acquire six new Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopters which will operate off the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) new frigates.

The acquisition of naval helicopters, equipped with advanced anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare sensors and weapons, is a significant milestone in the RSN’s force development. The naval helicopters are projected for delivery to the RSN between 2008 and 2010. This acquisition will enhance the RSN’s capability to undertake a wide spectrum of missions and carry out its mission of defending Singapore and its vital sea lines of communications more effectively.


http://www.mindef.gov.sg/display.asp?number=2339
 

driftder

New Member
Ramjetmissile said:
REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE NAVY ACQUIRES SIX NEW NAVAL HELICOPTERS

MINDEF has signed a contract with Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation of the United States to acquire six new Sikorsky S-70B naval helicopters which will operate off the Republic of Singapore Navy’s (RSN) new frigates.

The acquisition of naval helicopters, equipped with advanced anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare sensors and weapons, is a significant milestone in the RSN’s force development. The naval helicopters are projected for delivery to the RSN between 2008 and 2010. This acquisition will enhance the RSN’s capability to undertake a wide spectrum of missions and carry out its mission of defending Singapore and its vital sea lines of communications more effectively.


http://www.mindef.gov.sg/display.asp?number=2339
Here's a nice pic of this new addition: http://www.jetphotos.net/viewphoto.php?id=401987. Good to have this on-board, what with the increase in submarine purchases by neighbouring countries, but my opinion is, there be 2-3 squadrons to cover the Eastern and Western approaches. One squadron is simply not enough.

Next would be a ASW aircraft like the P-3 Oriion or something like that to round off our airborne ASW and convoy protection capabilities. Comments?
 

Awang se

New Member
Verified Defense Pro
maybe a modified C-130 is a better option for maritime patrols. it will simplify the logistic work.
 

driftder

New Member
Awang se said:
maybe a modified C-130 is a better option for maritime patrols. it will simplify the logistic work.
A modified C-130 might serve other countrie's needs but definitely not ours. I doubt any convoy or sub-hunter group would like to see their overhead cover bug out due to low fuel or short endurance hours. As a matter of fact, the logistics would be horrible. Tanker fleets would have to be scheduled to keep such planes up in the air while on patrol and when tanking, the aircraft is pre-occupied and therefore cause a window of opportunity for the subs to cut in. Next logistic nightmare would be the maintenance work on such modified aircraft, which are just not cut out to be sub hunter-killers in the first place.

Imagine modifying a 3-tonne truck to be a tank - I can predict the outcome on the battlefield and its chances of survival. Similarly for a transport plane which is tasked to duty not suitable for it. So the answer is a emphatic NO, it will not simplify our logistics system and it won't even be considered.

Back to topic, I believe the S-70 is chosen as its also used by one of our FPDA allies, Australia. I will try to post more information on this versatile sub platform, and pics if possible.

Here is a link to the S-70 manufacturer, Sikorsky: http://www.sikorsky.com/details/1,,CLI1_DIV69_ETI842,00.html
 
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A

Aussie Digger

Guest
Awang, the problems with the C-130 as a Maritime Patrol aircraft are that it is not a "Marinised" aircraft, ie: an aircraft specifically designed to operate predominantly in a maritime environment. In addition any maritime patrol sensor package as to be put on board as a "pallet", which has to restric the it's capability to some extent and thirdly the C-130 can perform maritime surveillance only, not interdiction missions, AFAIK.

It is certainly not "weaponised" as far as maritime patrol weapons are concerned and I'm not aware of any programs designed to modify a C-130 to employ typical Maritime Patrol weapons and equipment such as ASM's, air dropped torpedo's and sonobouys etc...

Some Countries have used C-130 or even C-235/295 transport aircraft to fill a maritime patrol requirement, but I'm certain they don't use them for interdiction missions. A Squadron of (relatively) cheap, refurbished ex-US Navy P-3C's however would do the job very nicely and add significant Elint/Sigint capabilities to any force...

Anyway ALSO getting back on topic, it's good to see Singapore acquiring the AH-60 Seahawk. It has proven quite capable in RAN service and the RAN has generally been happy with it. I don't know what's it's future will be though. I'm tipping it will be replaced in the 2010-2012 timeframe with a Naval variant of the NH-90, in RAN service, just as the Blackhawk will be. We will however have to wait and see...
 
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