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Bell Wins Turkish Attack Helicopter Job
Turkey has made its long-awaited attack helicopter competition decision, tentatively giving the nod to Bell Helicopter Textron's King Cobra-with the proviso that the supplier could change if obtaining U.S. export release authority proves unmanageable.
The initial requirement is for 50 aircraft at a cost of about $1.5 billion. The sale could grow to as many as 145 helicopters through two follow-on phases. Technically, Bell is acting as the primary subcontractor for the deal, with Tusas Aerospace Industries (TAI) serving as the prime contractor. Most of the work will be done in Turkey, with a 50% contract value offset required.
While Bell won the competition, the Turkish government also named the Kamov/Israel Aircraft Industries KA-50-2 entrant as its runner up. "Bell is at number one on the list, but this is not a final decision and the ranking can change," said Turkish prime minister Bulant Eavit.
The move is a clear sign of residual concern in Ankara whether the U.S. arms export regulators will allow the deal to go through. Turkey cancelled an earlier AH-1 buy after it couldn't get U.S. State Department export release.
But Bell officials are bullish this time that they won't encounter similar hurdles. "The State Department has been fully aware of this program and we anticipate its recommended approval," according to one official. However, the company doesn't know how soon it will be able to get the paperwork approved. Another hurdle, although a smaller one, is the U.S. Congress, which also could block the deal. Several human rights group have lobbied Congress to stop past arms deal to Ankara, citing maltreatment of Turkey's Kurd minority as the main reason.
Program details also remain to be worked out. The current schedule calls for deliveries to begin 36 months after the contract is finalized and run for 50 months, at a rate of one helicopter per month. However, those plans could be modified in coming weeks.
The selected King Cobra is a derivative of the four-bladed AH-1Z Bell is developing for the U.S. Marine Corps, although unlike that version, it comes with a wheeled gear and other equipment to be supplied by Turkish contractors. Subcontractors on the program include General Electric for the T700-GE-701 engines; Litton, providing avionics; and Turkey's Aselsan, which is supplying radios and sight system. Several subcontractors will be named later by TAI.
"This decision by the Turkish Government solidifies the AH-1Z in the international marketplace and gives customers a technologically advanced choice when they look for an attack helicopter," said Terry Stinson, chairman and chief executive of Bell.
"Collaborating on the ground with the aerospace industry in Turkey will allow Bell to deliver superior technology and outstanding service to the Turkish government," added Textron chairman and CEO Lewis B. Campbell. Turkey already operates nine AH-1Ws and 27 AH-1Ps.
The win in Turkey is significant because it may open the door to other attack helicopter competitions. Australia, South Korea and Japan are running competitions for a similar system. For months a win in Turkey has been viewed as an important endorsement. Additional emerging attack helicopter competitions are in Spain, Poland and Slovenia. Industry officials believe there may be a market for over 375 attack and reconnaissance helicopters in the near future.
Bushmaster escribió:Una pregunta, el kamov mas protegido que el Apache?? Me cuesta creerlo... por lo que ha demostrado en combate real me parece dificil...
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flagos escribió: En las pruebas, el Kamov aplastó a sus rivales en lo que a maniobrabilidad respecta y esto era lo que tenía maravillados a los turcos, amén de ser el más protegido de los cinco. Finalmente se optó por el Cobra por la presión estadounidense, pero luego del ataque a Irak, que Turquía no apoyó, la cosa se puso tensa, y rescindieron el contrato.
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