If I remember correctly Kaman were hawking these ex Aussie Sprites to the Bulgarian Navy a few months back for about $12-15m a pop. Way cheaper than what we paid for the NZ version. I dont know whether the Kiwi versions were FAA certified but have a feeling they may have been. I do remember it was that Indian chap based in NSW who did the sign-off on them. From what I remember reading the (I) model (ex RAN) is now closer to the Kiwi configuration than the former RAN one. When they were shipped back stateside it seems that quite a bit of retro-fitting went on to get them "marketable" again before they were stored awaiting a potential buyer. That is a very significant point as it seems that the whole RAN issue did make Kaman out to be chumps and they would definately be chumps if they tried to sell anybody a chump chopper. Kamans battered reputation will need a simple Kosher chopper to put that right.
I haven't given our Sprites much thought, always thought they were a bit naff, but they're OK for now for what we require them for, though was worried that some penny-pinching bright spark in DefHQ might grab the Aussie ones after the rumours did he rounds last year. My point of view is that if the revised (I) model that Kaman are hawking on the cheap are certified to a reputable standard and the price is right they could be suitable as an interim purchase to see out this decade before a future naval helicopter is selected (NHF-90?). By then we will have a far clearer idea of what surface combatant will replace the current ANZAC's. Keep in mind that we will be back to 7 ships with deck/hanger facilities in a Navy of 11 ships sooner than people think and currently have only 5 sprites of which only 3 can be available for deployment. It might be worth as an interim measure the (I) if the price is right and get them in service to replace the older Kiwi version which are nearly 10 years old and will need an upgrade in 3 or so years. Of course as I said the priviso is they the (I) model are able to be FAA certified. I know that they are an unloved ugly duckling the Sprites - thats all Sprites I must add, but they are a Naval chopper and not an adhoc one like a A-109-LUH and the (I) is now not the (A). Same body, same heart, new brain. (an upgrade I wish I was sometimes available for MrsC)
Now, if the ex-RAN Seasprites have already been converted into an international fitout much more inline with what the NZDF already uses, especially if it were to be available for a low price and already be certified as flightworthy, then perhaps it might make sense for the NZDF to purchase some/all of them. Naval helicopters, much like transport and surveillance/patrol aircraft, are one of those assets which a defence force rarely ever has enough of. Partially due to cost, but also very often due to the multi-role capabilities and required work taskings.
The one area where I am not quite so certain about, is the need for Seasprite replacement. The RAN is rather desparate for a Future Naval helicopter, partially because the planned RAN SH-2G(A) Super Seasprite induction fell over. This left the RAN with a Fleet Air Arm of only 16 naval helicopters, instead of the expected 27 helicopters. Between having nearly half the expected numbers of helicopters with the corresponding increase in aircraft flight hours, and the fact that the existing naval helicopters are S70-B-2 Seahawks from the mid to late 80's which IIRC were not upgraded as much as they perhaps should have been... The RAN is looking at a looming capability crunch where in the near future, naval helicopters with the capabilities the RAN wants/needs to have might be unavailable on demand. Hence the Future Naval Helicopter being a programme of urgency.
To my understand, given RNZAF usage of the Seasprites, they should begin being replaced either towards the end of this decade, or in the early 2020's. Essentially a timeframe perhaps 5-10 years after the RAN is going to want to begin replacing its naval helicopters.
This means that from a timing perspective, the NZDF has some advantages which the RAN/ADF do not. The NZDF has the ability to allow more development time so that naval helicopter designs like the NDH-90 can mature, and perhaps become MOTS. Additionally, more time could allow a better idea of the future RNZN fleet makeup, which could impact which naval helicopters are appropriate. IIRC the Anzac FFH hangar is supposed to be a rather tight fit for NH-90 helicopters, if the future RNZN frigate has a hangar of similar size, then an NFH-90 would likely be too large to really be appropriate. OTOH if the RNZN goes with the RAN for a common-hulled Anzac II frigate, a larger hangar might be an option.
The one argument I have for the NZDF looking at replacing the Seasprites sooner, rather than later, or at least placing the order to replace them, if the possibility of a joint Oz/Kiwi naval helicopter purchase. The RAN is looking for at least 24 advanced naval helicopters, with the appropriate training, logistical and support facilities. The NZDF would likely be interested in between 5-9 examples of a naval helicopter, and if things were handled correctly, a Kiwi order, or the Kiwi portion of a joint order could possibly be timed to commence with the last deliveries to the RAN. The manufacturer would like that, since it would keep the production line open just that much longer. Having a common platform would ease interoperability between RAN and RNZN assets, as well joint ops activities like crossdecking. Of potentially even greater benefit is that by increasing the aircraft pool between the RAN and NZDF, it could reduce the per unit training, support and upgrade costs.
Ideally what I would like to see, is an NFH-90 model aircraft, with the heli composite flooring and engine issues resolve, equipped with the avionics and mission systems of the MH-60R 'Romeo', enter RAN and RNZN service. Time will tell if that ever happens or not.
-Cheers
PS You might want to watch that last line... It could come back to haunt you!
