Multi Role Helicopters (MRH) to be inducted into Indian Navy

[Rikbo88]

BERLIN, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- The German armed forces are testing 13 new NH90 helicopters and they are not amused.

An internal military report, leaked to German mass daily Bild, blasted the many shortcomings of the multi-purpose helicopter developed and built by Eurocopter daughter NHIndustries. The 103-page report goes as far as recommending using alternative aircraft in operational scenarios.

Germany has ordered 122 NH90 for the army and the air force for around $6.2 billion but the testing of the pre-serial model revealed several deficiencies.

Clearance is so limited that soldiers have trouble getting in and out of the helicopter; the rear ramp is too weak to support fully equipped soldiers; the plane's floor is so sensitive that it can be cracked by boots; and the seats are unable to accommodate more than 240 pounds. The fact that modern infantry equipment weighs 55 pounds means that larger and more muscular soldiers will have to stay out.

The helicopters' limited interior space means that there is no room for a defensive machine gunner, a full infantry unit wearing their weapons and armor, and a combined troop and cargo load.

Officials from the German Defense Ministry said they informed Eurocopter about the deficiencies and asked the company to correct them.

Experts consider the trial-and-error flights a normal procedure for a product that needs to be tailored to the military's individual needs.

But the helicopter, for which planning dates to the 1980s, has a long history of problems.

The price for a single aircraft has tripled compared to initial estimates and the delivery date has been pushed back by three years to 2012.

The Germany navy had planned to order a variant of the helicopter, called MH90, but it hasn't placed an order because of delays and technical difficulties. The problem is that the German armed forces, and the four other partner nations -- France, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal -- desperately need the new helicopter.

Twenty-three versions of the NH90 are in the making; first models are due to be delivered in 2012.

The delay and cost explosion of the NH90 puts the program in line with other European military projects gone wrong, including the missile defense system MEADS, the Eurofighter jet, and the Airbus A400M transport plane. In the case of the latter, partner nations and European Aeronautics Defense and Space on Thursday were nearing a final agreement over financing.



Germany not happy with NH90 helicopter - UPI.com


guess this makes it clear where the deal is going....!!

The current tender for 16 MRH helicopters should set the stage for this follow on competition. The Sikorsky s-70B should win that competition and once they get that aircraft it will become the standard by which all other ASW & ASuW aircraft will be judged. It is the highest quality & most capable aircraft out there today. With the plan to build the MH-70B in India under co-production agreement with Sikorsky, this aircraft should enjoy robust sales, especially with the new sensor & weapons capabilities that will be added for India.

 

[Rikbo88]

BERLIN, Feb. 25 (UPI) -- The German armed forces are testing 13 new NH90 helicopters and they are not amused.

An internal military report, leaked to German mass daily Bild, blasted the many shortcomings of the multi-purpose helicopter developed and built by Eurocopter daughter NHIndustries. The 103-page report goes as far as recommending using alternative aircraft in operational scenarios.

Germany has ordered 122 NH90 for the army and the air force for around $6.2 billion but the testing of the pre-serial model revealed several deficiencies.

Clearance is so limited that soldiers have trouble getting in and out of the helicopter; the rear ramp is too weak to support fully equipped soldiers; the plane's floor is so sensitive that it can be cracked by boots; and the seats are unable to accommodate more than 240 pounds. The fact that modern infantry equipment weighs 55 pounds means that larger and more muscular soldiers will have to stay out.

The helicopters' limited interior space means that there is no room for a defensive machine gunner, a full infantry unit wearing their weapons and armor, and a combined troop and cargo load.

Officials from the German Defense Ministry said they informed Eurocopter about the deficiencies and asked the company to correct them.

Experts consider the trial-and-error flights a normal procedure for a product that needs to be tailored to the military's individual needs.

But the helicopter, for which planning dates to the 1980s, has a long history of problems.

The price for a single aircraft has tripled compared to initial estimates and the delivery date has been pushed back by three years to 2012.

The Germany navy had planned to order a variant of the helicopter, called MH90, but it hasn't placed an order because of delays and technical difficulties. The problem is that the German armed forces, and the four other partner nations -- France, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal -- desperately need the new helicopter.

Twenty-three versions of the NH90 are in the making; first models are due to be delivered in 2012.

The delay and cost explosion of the NH90 puts the program in line with other European military projects gone wrong, including the missile defense system MEADS, the Eurofighter jet, and the Airbus A400M transport plane. In the case of the latter, partner nations and European Aeronautics Defense and Space on Thursday were nearing a final agreement over financing.



Germany not happy with NH90 helicopter - UPI.com


guess this makes it clear where the deal is going....!!

The current tender for 16 MRH helicopters should set the stage for this follow on competition. The Sikorsky s-70B should win that competition and once they get that aircraft it will become the standard by which all other ASW & ASuW aircraft will be judged. It is the highest quality & most capable aircraft out there today. With the plan to build the MH-70B in India under co-production agreement with Sikorsky, this aircraft should enjoy robust sales, especially with the new sensor & weapons capabilities that will be added for India.

 

[Zebra]

Navy will float tenders for New Copters

Published July 18, 2012 | By admin

SOURCE: SUNDAY GUARDIAN

The Indian Navy will soon have additional surveillance helicopters with enhanced capabilities, for which the tenders will be sent to potential vendors very soon. American Lockheed Martin will submit its proposal for this new bid, while it pulled out of an older similar one. The surveillance role is currently being fulfilled by the existing Seaking helicopters of 1980s vintage, in service in the Indian Navy, which are old and need to be replaced, for which already 16 multi-role helicopters are going to be finalised soon by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

In addition to these 16 new helicopters, one more tender for about 75-100 helicopters will also be floated. It was for the 16 multi-role helicopter deal that Lockheed Martin pulled out as the deal was not under Foreign Military Sale (FMS), and was an open tender. The helicopters will be used in limited intelligence gathering, rescue and search casualty evacuation and surveillance roles.

For the 16 mutil-role helicopters originally there were four contenders namely Eurocopter EC725, the NH90 by the NH Industries, America's Sikorsky's S-70B and Lockheed Martin's integrated MH- 60R. Out of these two have been down-selected — the NH90 by the NH Industries, America's Sikorsky's S-70B, of which one will soon be shortlisted for price negotiations, for the deal worth $1 billion approximately.

In a similar category but with enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities the more than 75 new helicopters will also come as a replacement for the aging Westland Sea Kings, in a deal worth more than $2 billion, with some to be bought, while some to be made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under license. The Navy had asked for information from potential vendors for this separate second tender.

Sources told this newspaper that the new deal for the more than 75 helicopters will also be an open tender, but Lockheed Martin proposes to bid for this deal with its MH-60R and MH-60S, the air-frame of which will be similar to the Sikorsky's S-70B helicopter. Old Sea Kings are also to be upgraded.

The MoD's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had also cleared the purchase of 56 naval light utility helicopters to replace the existing Chetaks in service, in a deal worth Rs 7000 cr, the tender for which was sent out last year. These light utility helicopters will be twin-engined of modern airframe design and fully integrated advanced avionics to replace the aging fleet of Chetak helicopters, which were inducted about 30-35 years ago. Being able to operate both during day and night, the helicopters will also have the capability to operate in adverse weather conditions, both from shore and off-shore and from small and larger decks, like that of an aircraft carrier.

Navy will float tenders for new copters | idrw.org

 

[Rikbo88]

Re: Navy will float tenders for New Copters

Published July 18, 2012 | By admin

SOURCE: SUNDAY GUARDIAN

The Indian Navy will soon have additional surveillance helicopters with enhanced capabilities, for which the tenders will be sent to potential vendors very soon. American Lockheed Martin will submit its proposal for this new bid, while it pulled out of an older similar one. The surveillance role is currently being fulfilled by the existing Seaking helicopters of 1980s vintage, in service in the Indian Navy, which are old and need to be replaced, for which already 16 multi-role helicopters are going to be finalised soon by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

In addition to these 16 new helicopters, one more tender for about 75-100 helicopters will also be floated. It was for the 16 multi-role helicopter deal that Lockheed Martin pulled out as the deal was not under Foreign Military Sale (FMS), and was an open tender. The helicopters will be used in limited intelligence gathering, rescue and search casualty evacuation and surveillance roles.

For the 16 mutil-role helicopters originally there were four contenders namely Eurocopter EC725, the NH90 by the NH Industries, America's Sikorsky's S-70B and Lockheed Martin's integrated MH- 60R. Out of these two have been down-selected — the NH90 by the NH Industries, America's Sikorsky's S-70B, of which one will soon be shortlisted for price negotiations, for the deal worth $1 billion approximately.

In a similar category but with enhanced anti-submarine warfare capabilities the more than 75 new helicopters will also come as a replacement for the aging Westland Sea Kings, in a deal worth more than $2 billion, with some to be bought, while some to be made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), under license. The Navy had asked for information from potential vendors for this separate second tender.

Sources told this newspaper that the new deal for the more than 75 helicopters will also be an open tender, but Lockheed Martin proposes to bid for this deal with its MH-60R and MH-60S, the air-frame of which will be similar to the Sikorsky's S-70B helicopter. Old Sea Kings are also to be upgraded.

The MoD's Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had also cleared the purchase of 56 naval light utility helicopters to replace the existing Chetaks in service, in a deal worth Rs 7000 cr, the tender for which was sent out last year. These light utility helicopters will be twin-engined of modern airframe design and fully integrated advanced avionics to replace the aging fleet of Chetak helicopters, which were inducted about 30-35 years ago. Being able to operate both during day and night, the helicopters will also have the capability to operate in adverse weather conditions, both from shore and off-shore and from small and larger decks, like that of an aircraft carrier.

Navy will float tenders for new copters | idrw.org

The MH-60R is not in the current tender for 16 MRH aircraft for the Indian navy. The S-70B is & should win that competition. My opinion (having worked on the S-70B for over 10 years) is Indian Navy will be happy with that choice and it would then make no sense to procure another aircraft for the obvious reasons (training, maintenance, logistics, etc.) for the follow-on tender for an additional 75 aircraft. The S-70B can also be configured in a utility version to offer the same capabilities as the MH-60S. Many folks look at Lockheed as the best in ASW & & ASuW mission system design and integration. I can tell you for custom configurations of this type that will be required for this aircraft, Sikorsky and the S-70B are the best there is.

 

[mayankkrishna]

Re: Navy will float tenders for New Copters

Source: Navy floats tender for buying 56 choppers - Hindustan Times


A global tender has been floated by the Indian Navy for procuring 56 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) which are expected to cost over Rs. 4,000 crore and will replace the fleet of its vintage Cheetah and Chetak choppers.

The navy has issued the tender for light choppers after the army and
the IAF reached advanced stages of the process for procuring 197 LUHs for which Europe's Eurocopter and Russia's Kamov are in the race.

The tender for procuring 56 twin-engine Naval Utility Helicopters was issued earlier this week. It has been sent to major chopper makers including US firm Sikorsky, Eurocopter, Kamov and Italy's Agusta Westland, navy officials told PTI here.

The navy has demanded that the helicopters should be capable of carrying out anti-submarine warfare (ASW) role and should be equipped with torpedoes and depth charges.

In the tender, the navy has specified that the 4.5 tonne helicopters should have twin-engines to allow them to operate in rough sea conditions.

The navy is also planning to use the chopper for its anti-piracy and anti-terrorism operations.

The request for information (RFI) for this chopper procurement has been issued twice. First was issued in late 2010 and the second was done in March last year.

The helicopters will be used for both shore-based and offshore operations and the navy has specified they should be capable of operating from ship decks in adverse weather conditions during day and night.

The force also wants the choppers should be able to operate from snow-covered surface, sleet, sand, water and slush.

 

[LETHALFORCE]

Navy to buy 56 utility helicopters for $1bn

Navy to buy 56 utility helicopters for $1bn - The Times of India

NEW DELHI: India has set the ball rolling for another mega defence deal, worth close to $1 billion, for the acquisition of 56 naval utility helicopters customized for surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, anti-terror, electronic intelligence gathering and search and rescue operations.

The armed forces are looking to induct as many as 900 helicopters in the coming decade, including 384 light-utility and observation, 90 naval multi-role, 65 light combat, 22 heavy-duty attack, 139 medium-lift and 15 heavy-lift, among others, as was first reported by TOI earlier.

The new tender or RFP (request for proposal) for the 56 naval helicopters was issued to all top global aviation majors — ranging from Boeing, Bell and Sikorsky to Kamov, Eurocopter and AgustaWestland — last week.

"The naval utility helicopter are planned for induction from 2016 (onwards)," said Navy chief Admiral Nirmal Verma. As per the RFP, the project involves induction of the 56 choppers, three simulators, 28 spare engines and associated equipment within eight years of the inking of the contract.

The twin-engine helicopters, with a 4,500-kg maximum "all up" weight and capable of operating from warship decks, will be armed with 70mm rocket launchers and 12.7mm guns as well as lightweight torpedoes and depth charges.

With a "modern airframe design, proven fuel-efficient engines and fully-integrated advanced avionics", these new helicopters will replace the existing fleet of Chetaks inducted over three decades ago.

This is Navy's second major "rotary wing" project. The first is for around 90 multi-role helicopters in the 9 to12.5-tonne class, with potent combat capabilities as well as customized for amphibious assaults and commando operations, at a cost of over $2.5 billion to replace ageing Sea King helicopters.

But the first contract for 16 such multi-role helicopters — to be followed by the main one for over 75 choppers — has run into some trouble. European NH Industries, which deployed its NH-90 helicopters for the extensive field trials, has filed a complaint against the other contender, the American Sikorsky-70B.

"Both met the NSQRs (naval staff qualitative requirements) after the trials last year but the complaint has delayed the opening of commercial bids. It is being examined," said an official.

Another big project facing similar problems is the one for 197 light helicopters for over Rs 3,000 crore, with Russian Kamov Ka-226T pitted against Eurocopter AS 550 C3 Fennec after the technical evaluation.

Acquisition of these 197 helicopters is to be followed by the indigenous manufacture of 187 similar ones by Hindustan Aeronautics to replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak fleets of Army and IAF.

The second contract for 71 more Russian medium-lift and weaponized Mi-17 V5 helicopters for around $1 billion, 59 for IAF and 12 for BSF, is, however, going ahead. This comes after deliveries of the first 80 Mi-17 V5s to IAF, under a $1.34-billion deal inked in 2008, began last September.

 

[Zebra]

Re: Navy will float tenders for New Copters

India Seeks Delay in Helo Selection Until Year's End

Sep. 10, 2012 - 11:41AM |
By Vivek Raghuvanshi

NEW DELHI — The Indian Defence Ministry has asked competitors Sikorsky and NHIndustries (NHI) to extend their proposals until Dec. 31 in the $1 billion Indian Navy tender for 16 multirole helicopters. The deadline for the proposals had expired in July.

The tender is awaiting the final outcome after trials have finished, but NHI has complained that the Sikorsky helicopter had not met the technical requirements.

Sikorsky's S-70B helicopter is pitched against NHI's NH90 helicopter.

The S-70B is ahead of the NH90 after the flight trials, said sources, but a complaint from Eurocopter to the Defence Ministry alleging a lack of transparency in the procurement procedure is delaying declaration of the lowest bidder.

Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry has already decided to float a global tender worth $4 billion for the purchase of an additional 75 multirole helicopters.

The multirole helicopters will be needed to replace 1980-era Sea King helicopters, the majority of which are grounded due to old age and shortage of spares. The helicopters will also be used in limited intelligence gathering, search and rescue, and casualty evacuation.

India Seeks Delay in Helo Selection Until Year’s End | Defense News | defensenews.com

 

[Rikbo88]

Re: Navy will float tenders for New Copters

India Seeks Delay in Helo Selection Until Year's End

Sep. 10, 2012 - 11:41AM |
By Vivek Raghuvanshi

NEW DELHI — The Indian Defence Ministry has asked competitors Sikorsky and NHIndustries (NHI) to extend their proposals until Dec. 31 in the $1 billion Indian Navy tender for 16 multirole helicopters. The deadline for the proposals had expired in July.

The tender is awaiting the final outcome after trials have finished, but NHI has complained that the Sikorsky helicopter had not met the technical requirements.

Sikorsky's S-70B helicopter is pitched against NHI's NH90 helicopter.

The S-70B is ahead of the NH90 after the flight trials, said sources, but a complaint from Eurocopter to the Defence Ministry alleging a lack of transparency in the procurement procedure is delaying declaration of the lowest bidder.

Meanwhile, the Defence Ministry has already decided to float a global tender worth $4 billion for the purchase of an additional 75 multirole helicopters.

The multirole helicopters will be needed to replace 1980-era Sea King helicopters, the majority of which are grounded due to old age and shortage of spares. The helicopters will also be used in limited intelligence gathering, search and rescue, and casualty evacuation.

India Seeks Delay in Helo Selection Until Year's End | Defense News | defensenews.com

Yea, been following this whole procurement for awhile. In my opinion NHI could not know everything about the issues they have raised. In addition, it is highly likely that both vendors have areas where the basic aircraft offered does not meet all the NSQRs but in the proposal response the vendor would commit to providing that capability including details of how they would meet the requirements. This is certainly true with weapons and other specific systems where the country may be looking to include indigineous systems that a company within that country would provide. That would allow the vendor aircraft offering to then meet the requirements. Typically a validation test and demonstration of that capability would be required before any aircraft acceptance would occur.
NHI should be more concerned with its own NH90 given all the problems this aircraft has had. As I have said before this is nothing more than a desperation tactic by NHI since they have determined that they are likely to lose this competition, and rightly so!!

 

[LurkerBaba]

Merged and stickied

 

[Virendra]

Tata is manufacturing Sikorsky S-92 airframes. Is S-92 also a multi role chopper?
In July the American watchdog FAA had approved S-92 for Sea State 6 (SS6) conditions, that is 20 feet high waves.
It means the Chopper can be used for critical missions even in worse weather conditions and it is one of the first choppers to acquire this ceritifcation.
It is good that TASL has a production JV with Sikorsky and work is on with S-92.

Regards,
Virendra

 

[Rikbo88]

Tata is manufacturing Sikorsky S-92 airframes. Is S-92 also a multi role chopper?
In July the American watchdog FAA had approved S-92 for Sea State 6 (SS6) conditions, that is 20 feet high waves.
It means the Chopper can be used for critical missions even in worse weather conditions and it is one of the first choppers to acquire this ceritifcation.
It is good that TASL has a production JV with Sikorsky and work is on with S-92.

Regards,
Virendra

Yes the S-92 is a multi-role helo as evidenced by then Canadian Cyclone program. This program has suffered extensive delays however, primarily due to the mission system which is done by General Dynamics Canada. The basic S-92 aircraft has been performing well in a variety of other roles including SAR, VIP transport, and off shore oil transport. Sikorsky is working hard to finish this program so they can have another offering to compete more effectively in the international market place against similar sized airframes.

 

[SATISH]

My Single doubt is why not the Naval Mi 17? It is a proven and rugged helicopter and has seen combat for a long time. It can carry a good load and above all is not maintainance intensive. So why go for the NHI NH 90 and the Sikorsky UH 60?

 

[p2prada]

Yea, been following this whole procurement for awhile.

In your own opinion can you tell us of the ASW capabilities offered to the Navy by Sikorsky and is it possible for you to compare that to what's been offered on the NH-90.

If possible can we also know the endurance of a ASW fitted S-70B?

Also, can you tell us if the Sikorsky option is cheaper than the NHI option because regardless of the costs it seems like this deal would be Sikorsky's for the taking.

 

[Rikbo88]

In your own opinion can you tell us of the ASW capabilities offered to the Navy by Sikorsky and is it possible for you to compare that to what's been offered on the NH-90.

If possible can we also know the endurance of a ASW fitted S-70B?

Also, can you tell us if the Sikorsky option is cheaper than the NHI option because regardless of the costs it seems like this deal would be Sikorsky's for the taking.

Sorry, been on vacation for awhile. I am putting together an article to try to summarize my thoughts on this procurement. Watch for it in the near future.

 

[Rikbo88]

My Single doubt is why not the Naval Mi 17? It is a proven and rugged helicopter and has seen combat for a long time. It can carry a good load and above all is not maintainance intensive. So why go for the NHI NH 90 and the Sikorsky UH 60?

Satish - My knowledge on this model is very limited but I believe this aircraft was not considered due to the limited mission system available that would allow it to perform in the ASW & ASuW roles. It does not have the sophisticated mission systems that the S-70B, NFH90, & MH-60R do.

 

[LurkerBaba]

Rik's article on the MRH competition

Sikorsky S-70B - Right choice for the Indian Navy MRH program

 

[Zebra]

Re: Navy will float tenders for New Copters

The MH-60R is not in the current tender for 16 MRH aircraft for the Indian navy. The S-70B is & should win that competition. My opinion (having worked on the S-70B for over 10 years) is Indian Navy will be happy with that choice and it would then make no sense to procure another aircraft for the obvious reasons (training, maintenance, logistics, etc.) for the follow-on tender for an additional 75 aircraft. The S-70B can also be configured in a utility version to offer the same capabilities as the MH-60S. Many folks look at Lockheed as the best in ASW & & ASuW mission system design and integration. I can tell you for custom configurations of this type that will be required for this aircraft, Sikorsky and the S-70B are the best there is.

Please tell something about these choppers........it will be nice to hear from you, as you have vast experience with Sikorsky. :thumb:

1) Difference among these aircrafts........S-70B, MH-60R and MH-60S.

2) So it will be Lockheed Martin vs Sikorsky, in second Indian Navy tender? If, IN go for different tender.

3) Off topic, but some information about CH-53K please. If you do not mind.

 

[Rikbo88]

Re: Navy will float tenders for New Copters

Please tell something about these choppers........it will be nice to hear from you, as you have vast experience with Sikorsky. :thumb:

1) Difference among these aircrafts........S-70B, MH-60R and MH-60S.

2) So it will be Lockheed Martin vs Sikorsky, in second Indian Navy tender? If, IN go for different tender.

3) Off topic, but some information about CH-53K please. If you do not mind.

Casper,

1. S-70B has the Penguin Anti-Ship missile already integrated, the 60R does not. The 60R and 70B both have the Hellfire missile integrated. Lockheed calls this an "anti-ship missile" which I find amusing. US Navy opted for not including an anti-ship missile when fielding the 60R.
2. Both have the American MK-46 & MK-54 torpedoes already integrated. The 70B also has the Eurotorp A244 mod 3 torpedo integrated.
3. The 70B AFCS is a new system that represents a significant improvement over earlier Seahawk systems.
4. The new WMS facilitates integration of indigenous systems or unique customer required stores or weapons.
5. The 70B employs a "federated systems architecture" meaning major functions are dispersed to centralized subsystems. Modification enhancement has typically proved to be easier, cheaper, and less risk for systems of this type, while the 60R employs a "centralized architecture" with a primary and backup mission computer that performs all mission related functions ( mission management, flight management, weapons management, navigation, etc.)
6. Both have integrated FLIR, ESM, counter measures, Radar, EGI (embedded GPS with inertial) navigation and attitude reference systems, and AFCS systems. I believe the 60R does not currently have a VOR/TACAN navigation capability. Sonars are different but have similar capabilities.
7. 60R has sonobuoy capability installed. 70B has full provisions.
8. 60R employs more machined airframe parts. 70B continues to use same airframe from the SH-60 series of A/C.
9. 60S was derived from the Blackhawk airframe with a folding tail added for maritime use. 60S is currently qualifying the new laser guided Hydra (2.75" rockets). The MH-60S Seahawk helicopter is designed to perform vertical replenishment (VERTREP), combat search and rescue (CSAR), special warfare support and airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) missions. Additionally, in its armed configuration, it can conduct anti-surface warfare (ASUW). The 70B can be configured with similar capabilities to the 60S and has been proposed to at least 1 customer.

The Indian navy has flown the 70B extensively during evaluations for the current MRH tender and has also flown the 60R to a lessor degree.

CH-53K is under development and will not be fielded until the 2015/2016 time frame or later. This is a heavy lift A/C designed to carry large loads or provide troop transport. It also has some anti-mine capabilities as a sled tower (Sea Dragon model). The US Navy/Marines realized the existing 53 series of A/C were approaching their end of life and the new Osprey would not be able to fill that role. Please see the following Wikipedia entry for detailed information.

Sikorsky CH-53E Super Stallion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Next tender for 75 A/C will include both the 60R & 70B and other vendor aircraft. For sure NH90 NFH and likely other candidates but I am not sure who (AW-101 perhaps?). Lockheed is currently working on a direct commercial sale version of the 60R to allow it to compete more effectively in the international market place. The big difference between the 60R & 70B is the avionics & mission systems. Lockheed does the 60R while Sikorsky does the 70B. I believe the 70B offers a far superior system.

 

[winton]

I think the indian navy is quite fortunate to be able to acquire these helicopters albeit with slightly crippled sensors. The only question is the price that will be paid to get updates and support and spare parts. Its probably a price that india has foreseen and are getting use to. Are there any other US weapons systems that IDF are happy with regarding support and maintenance and value lifecycle.

 

[Rikbo88]

I think the indian navy is quite fortunate to be able to acquire these helicopters albeit with slightly crippled sensors. The only question is the price that will be paid to get updates and support and spare parts. Its probably a price that india has foreseen and are getting use to. Are there any other US weapons systems that IDF are happy with regarding support and maintenance and value lifecycle.

Winton - given that the IDF has agreed to acquire the P8I & AH-64 platforms one could say they are satisfied with their performance and proposed maintenance costs but whether they are "happy" will only come after some in-service experience. Life cycle support costs should have been included in the proposal responses from the vendors but I am fairly confident the 70B will offer both a less expensive initial cost and life cycle maintenance per aircraft.