Malaysia to launch contest for S-61 Nuri replacements

duotiga83 SG

DATE:29/10/07
SOURCE:Flight International
Malaysia to launch contest for S-61 Nuri replacements
By Siva Govindasamy

Malaysia will begin the process of replacing its main fleet of military helicopters in late October, with the nation's defence ministry expected to call a tender for 12 utility helicopters that can also be used for search and rescue missions.

The AgustaWestland EH101, Eurocopter EC725 and Sikorsky S-92 are likely to be offered for the requirement, with air force deputy chief Lt Gen Bashir Abu Bakar saying that a decision should be made by early 2008.

Eventually, the air force will procure up to 48 aircraft to replace its Sikorsky S-61 Nuri helicopters, 31 of which are still in use, according to Flight's HeliCAS database. Additional helicopters of the same type could also be bought for the Malaysian army, although Bashir did not say when a decision will be made on this.

The Royal Malaysian Air Force has given its technical specifications to the defence ministry, and set up a project team to evaluate the tenders. The twin-engined aircraft should be able to transport around 20 personnel, and to operate by day or night.

The tender has been on the cards since 2004 and Malaysia included S-61 replacements in its 2006-10 financial plan, but the purchase of 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighters earlier this decade has consumed much of the nation's defence budget. However, industry sources say the prime minister is likely to sanction a special budget for the procurement.

Replacing the S-61s has taken on added urgency after several fatal crashes involving the helicopter over the last few years, including one in July that killed six passengers and crew. Almost 90 armed forces personnel and civilians have been killed in crashes involving the helicopter since it was introduced in 1968.

Informal discussions between the helicopter manufacturers and the government have been taking place over the last few months, and industry sources say the companies are ready to respond to the requirement and fulfil it within a compressed timeframe. The government is believed to want to complete the delivery of the helicopters by early 2010.

The Malaysian defence ministry last November signed a 55.8 million ringitt ($16.3 million) contract with local maintenance company Airod to upgrade its remaining S-61s.

Malaysia has several other pending helicopter requirements, including for an additional six AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300 helicopters and six search-and-rescue aircraft for its Maritime Enforcement Agency.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/10/29/218904/malaysia-to-launch-contest-for-s-61-nuri-replacements.html

tankee1981 SG

Hopefully, the replacements will come fast so as to prevent any more unnecessary crashes and deaths resulting from these aging Nuris.

duotiga83 SG

DATE:06/12/07
SOURCE:Flight International
Malaysia to narrow utility helicopter contest next month
By Siva Govindasamy

Malaysia is expected to shorten its list of contenders for a utility helicopter requirement from four to two in January, with the winner likely to be announced by mid-2008.

The AgustaWestland AW101 (formerly EH101), Eurocopter EC725, Sikorsky S-92 and a Russian helicopter, most likely the Mil Mi-17, are competing to replace Malaysia's more than 20 Sikorsky S-61 Nuri helicopters. Kuala Lumpur is expected to order 12 aircraft initially, although this could eventually rise to 48. The successful bidder could also be asked to provide helicopters for an army utility requirement, say industry sources.

The rotorcraft, which will also be used for search and rescue operations, should be able to transport around 20 personnel and perform both day and night operations, according to Royal Malaysian Air Force requirements. The aircraft should also have a glass cockpit, retractable landing gear and foldable rotor blades.

The tender has been on the cards since 2004 and S-61 replacements were included in Malaysia's 2006-10 financial plan, but the purchase of 18 Sukhoi Su-30MKM fighters earlier this decade has taken up much of the budget. However, industry sources say the government is likely to sanction a special budget for the procurement.

Replacing the S-61s has taken on added urgency after several fatal crashes involving the helicopter over the last few years. Almost 90 armed forces personnel and civilians have died in crashes involving the type since it was introduced in 1968, including six people killed in a July 2007 accident.

The government is believed to want to complete the delivery of the helicopters by early 2010 and manufacturers, who have been in informal talks for several years, are believed to be ready to respond to the requirement and fulfil it within a compressed timeframe, say industry sources.

Malaysia has several other pending helicopter requirements, including one for an additional six AgustaWestland Super Lynx 300 helicopters and six SAR aircraft for its Maritime Enforcement Agency.

http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2007/12/06/220109/malaysia-to-narrow-utility-helicopter-contest-next-month.html

Black Aces SG

Anyone here want to make a guess on what the final 2 shortlisted types will be?

My take is:

i) AgustaWestland AW101 (formerly EH101) &
ii) Mil Mi-17.

Shotgun SG

Anyone taking bets that the Russians will give away free Mi-17s should the Malaysians opt to purchase Su-30s again?

Black Aces SG

Yeah...I'll place my bet on this one esp with the above arrangement and the Russian sweetener of offering another space ride to a 2nd Malaysian 'Space Tourist'. This I believe will cap victory to the Mi-17 tender offer. Twisted Evil

The above suggestion was highlighted by a fellow contributor - Fatum in an another separate thread (see below)

http://www.sgforums.com/?action=thread_display&thread_id=295775

Shotgun SG

Yeap yeap, I saw that one. The last time the Thais were considering the Su-30, the Russians wanted to give free Mi-17s IIRC.

Now that the Malaysians have a requirement for utility helos.... It should entice them sufficiently.