AIR87

LAST EDITED ON 02-04-01 AT 01:32 PM (GMT)[p]I would like to glean more information about the two smallest choppers being offered as solutions for the ADF’s AIR87 Armed Recconaissance Helicopter requirement. IMHO, the two smallest variants (the Tenix/Agusta A129 Scorpion – a derivative of the A129INT – and the ADI/Eurocopter Aussie Tiger – based primarily on the French HAP although incorporating the German UHT’s advanced anti-tank capability) make the best solutions, as other defence forces operating in around Australia do not have massive tank battalions and advanced ground elements etc. etc. etc. (except for Singapore, which is an ally). In case you’re wondering, the other choppers in the “fly-off” are the Bell ARH-1Z and the ASTA/Boeing AH-64D. The Apache and the Tiger seem to be the front runners at the moment, with the Super Cobra looking least likely (it’s skid landing gear is not particularly appropriate when operating off LPAs).
What surprises me (a little) is that the ability to operate capably off the RAN’s two LPAs (Manoora and Kanimbla) seems to be a major requirement. It would certainly give Australia a force projection capability – however small – not available elsewhere in the immediate region. If the ability to operate efficiently off the LPAs is a major concern, than the Scorpion seems to be doing very well, Tenix/Agusta claim the ability to place a full squadron (8 aircraft) in the hangars of an LPA, not on the deck, thus allowing an Australian LPA to field 2 landing craft, 2 medium sized helos (UH-60s) and 8 attack helos. 6 Tigers will fit in the hangar of an LPA, and only 4 of the two American models.
Another important requirement is the ability to have 12 choppers available at any time (from total acquirement of around 20-25). Anybody else think that Boeing might have problems getting 12 Apaches online at any time from a total of 20 airframes (the Apache is of course the most expensive per unit, thus there are less units), given the Apaches “hangar queen” reputation?
So, can anybody help me with somemore information about the A129 especially? Or does anybody have an opinion about the selection, which will be made later this year?

MinMiester