Defence Chooses to Repair Rather than Replace Grounded Helicopters

25 Oktober 2017

Tiger ARH (photo : Paul Sadler)

Defence looks set to plough hundreds of millions of dollars into sustaining and upgrading one of its most trouble-prone helicopter models despite the aircraft being grounded over potential safety issues and never seeing a war zone.

The attack and reconnaissance Tiger helicopters, which cost about $1.5 billion and more than $800 million to sustain, are supposed to continue to operate into the 2020s. And to maintain operations to 2020, the aircraft needs a mid-life upgrade worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Due to the helicopter’s ongoing problems, such as running seven years late in reaching final operating capability, Defence was considering whether to put the upgrade money towards a new, more reliable helicopter.

However this month, in a signal that Defence is to upgrade the Tiger, big aviation companies were informed by letter that Defence is to “stick with” the Tigers and not to bother pitching alternatives until the 2020s

One international helicopter manufacturer hoping to be considered for the contract to supply a replacement is Bell Helicopters with its AH-1Z Viper. Bell Helicopters business development manager John Woodbury confirmed Bell had recently received the letter from Defence stating the department had no interest in another helicopter until the 2020s.

“We think the conversation is pretty much over and all we can do is remain engaged and be good listeners,’’ Mr Woodbury said.

He said he had heard other companies had received a similar communication.

Boeing, which was interested in pitching its Apache AH-64E helicopter as a Tiger replacement, declined to comment.

(The Australian)