Asia

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Thailand Request Lakota

A US Foreign Military Sales package for UH-72A Lakota helicopters has been requested by the government of Thailand.

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, in its required notification to Congress, said the US State Department has already approved the deal, which carries an estimated value of $89 million.


Thailand planning to buy UH-72 Lakota

"This proposed sale will contribute to Thailand's goal of upgrading and modernizing its military forces with a new light utility helicopter capable of meeting requirements for rotary-wing transportation, while further enhancing interoperability between Thailand the US, and among other allies," the agency said.

The UH-72A Lakota is a twin-engine aircraft first introduced into service in 2007. It has a maximum speed of 167 miles per hour and a range of 426 miles.

Thailand has requested nine aircraft as well as spare and repair parts, support equipment, communication equipment, publications and technical documentation, an Aviation Mission Planning Station, personnel training and training equipment, and logistics support.

http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Sec...2661412092767/

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Indian Coast Guard Karnataka Division to Receive Chetak

With the arrival of the second hovercraft H 198, the Mangalore Coast Guard has become a formidable power, said Commander of the Coast Guard, Karnataka, Rajmani Sharma.

“We have three offshore vessels CG Savitribai Phule, Rajdoot and Kasturba Gandhi and two hovercrafts. All of them can be equipped with weapons for combat situations and ready for interception, search and rescue operations,” Sharma who is an official of the rank of Deputy Inspector General, said.


Indian Coast Guard HAL Chetak, an example of which will be delivered to the Karnataka Coast Guard in India before the end of the year

Sharma told reporters that the Coast Guard will be getting an Advanced Offshore Patrol Vessel (AOPV) entitled Samarth, which can carry a Chetak helicopter. But that will be only after the construction of an exclusive jetty for the Coast Guard, he said. Another offshore vessel Amarthya is expected to join the Coast Guard fleet by mid October, he added.

“We were also expecting a dornier aircraft and a Chetak helicopter to join the force by the end of the year. This will enable the Coast Guard to effectively guard and patrol the 500 km of coast in three states - North Kerala, Karnataka and Goa,” he said.

When Express asked Sharma about the Coast Guard coming across illegal fishing bull trawlers in Indian EEZ, he said: “We take up routine checks on these trawlers. But since the liberalisation they have been given licence to fish in our waters. However there are no Somali pirates seen on these waters. The Coast Guard also has the capability to clean up oil spills upto 700 tonnes, but our capabilities will improve when we get the Chetak helicopter which will be equipped to lower chemicals to dissolve oil slicks and prevent the oil from reaching the coastline.”

The Coast Guard is also planning to hold a function to launch its new acquisitions once Amartya, the off shore patrol vessel arrives.W

http://www.newindianexpress.com/stat...2465427.ece

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Thailand Order Lakotas and Cougars

The airborne capabilities of Thailand’s navy and air force will be significantly enhanced with the acquisition of two mission-ready Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft types: the light-utility EC645 T2 and the 11-ton-class EC725.

The Royal Thai Navy signed for five EC645 T2s to be deployed on transport duties and other missions, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2016. Its purchase represents the first export order of this militarized version of the EC145 T2, which is the newest and most powerful model in Airbus Helicopters’ proven EC145 light twin-engine helicopter family.


Agreement signed between Airbus and Thailand's Defence Ministry

In the Royal Thai Air Force’s reorder of Airbus Helicopters’ EC725, the military service is obtaining two of the tactical transport rotorcraft for SAR/CSAR (search and rescue/combat search and rescue) missions, operating from Wing 2 at Lop Buri Air Base in Thailand’s Lop Buri Province. These aircraft will be provided in 2017, joining the four previously-ordered EC725s booked in 2012 for deliveries from 2015.

“By acquiring both the EC645 T2 and EC725, Thailand will be operating two of the most capable helicopters in their categories, delivering high levels of mission flexibility with their modern avionics and rugged airframes,” said Philippe Monteux, Airbus Helicopters’ Head of Region South East Asia & Pacific.


The Order includes two EC725 Cougars for the Royal Thai Air Force

The EC645 T2 features a modern digital cockpit and a 4-axis autopilot. With a maximum take-off weight of 3.7 tons, the helicopter is powered by Turbomeca Arriel 2E powerplants equipped with dual-channel full authority digital engine controls (FADEC). Operational safety is enhanced by Airbus Helicopters’ Fenestron shrouded tail rotor, particularly for landings and takeoffs in confined landing sites, as well as during loading/unloading on the ground while the rotor is turning.

The EC725 is a highly capable twin-engine helicopter with a digital 4-axis autopilot and five-blade composite main rotor. It can perform multiple missions that range from combat search and rescue, long-range tactical transport and aeromedical transport to logistic support and naval duties.

Currently operated by the military forces of France, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Thailand and soon in Indonesia as well, the EC725’s reliability and durability has been confirmed in such crisis areas as Lebanon, Afghanistan and Mali, while also supporting French troops during NATO-led operations in Libya.

http://www.airbushelicopters.com/sit...es_310.html

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Wildcat Being Considered by Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy may soon have the AgustaWestland AW159 ‘Wildcat’ in its arsenal. The Department of National Defense Bids and Awards Committee is now on the second stage of bidding for two anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter with the British-Italian helicopter maker AgustaWestland as the only eligible bidder.

AW159 or Wildcat is among the most capable anti-submarine warfare helicopters currently available and was specifically designed for the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence. Its navy variant will enter service next year and the type will eventually replace all the Lynx models in the British Armed Forces.


The AW159 Wildcat is being considered by the Philippine Navy

South Korea is also set to receive eight AW159's from 2015 to 2016. AgustaWestland won the bidding last January 2013. When delivered, Wildcats will carry out search-and-rescue, anti-submarine warfare and surveillance missions for South Korea.

The Wildcat is an improved version of the Super Lynx and is an advanced multi-role, maritime and utility helicopter. It has the ability to be based on board a frigate, offshore patrol vessel or corvette.

The Wildcat's intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities are significantly upgraded.

According to a defense market analyst firm, the AW159’s SELEX Galileo Seaspray 7000E active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, sonar system, electro-optical device, ESM and countermeasure systems make it one of the best ASW helicopters in the world.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014...sub-helicopter

[Aviafora Newsdesk]

Indonesian Navy Selects Airbus Panther

The Airbus Helicopters’ AS565 MBe Panther has been selected by Indonesia’s navy in an order for 11 rotorcraft to be used in naval anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions.

Scheduled for deliveries within three years, the AS565 MBe helicopters will be supplied by Airbus Helicopters to PT Dirgantara Indonesia. Through a strategic industrial agreement between these two partners, PT Dirgantara Indonesia will be outfitting these rotorcraft in-country with mission equipment before delivery to the Indonesian Navy. The mission equipment include the Helicopter Long-Range Active Sonar (HELRAS) dipping sonar and torpedo launching system – providing a truly effective mission system for operations from land bases and ships.


The Airbus Panther AS565MBe has be selected by the Indonesian Navy

“The Panther is a highly capable light/medium anti-submarine warfare platform, with an advanced ASW suite and the capability to operate from corvettes or small frigates,” said Philippe Monteux, Head of Region South East Asia & Pacific at Airbus Helicopters. “This fully-capable, modern solution meets the naval requirements of Indonesia and other countries in the region, benefitting from our partnership with PT Dirgantara Indonesia and the industry’s best system suppliers.”

This order will add to the Indonesian Armed Forces’ fleet of Airbus Helicopters rotorcraft serving the country’s defense on land, at sea and in the air. The fleet includes the light EC120 Colibris for training; the Fennecs and BO-105 for light attack missions; the Panthers for anti-submarine warfare missions; and the Pumas and Super Pumas operated by the Air Force who will soon also receive the EC725 for combat search and rescue missions.

The agreements were secured by PT Dirgantara Indonesia as a result of its long-standing cooperation and strategic alliance with Airbus Helicopters. The President of PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Budi Santoso explained, “This latest contract demonstrates the strength and efficiency of our commercial and industrial partnership with Airbus Helicopters. Together, we are able to identify and deliver the most modern and cost-effective solutions for the Indonesian Government and at the same time associate the significant involvement of the Indonesian industry.”

http://www.airbushelicopters.com/sit...eases_310.html