Posted on 10/17/2017 3:56:51 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
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.
Defence would say only that it was considering options to ensure it maintained a deployable armed reconnaissance helicopter capability until the replacement capability is introduced into service.
A spokesman said the 2016 Defence white paper had outlined that the government would replace the Tiger helicopters from the mid-2020s.
(Excerpt) Read more at theaustralian.com.au ...
Nothing like being a helicopter pilot and having your government clap you on the back and say “Get in and fly! It is almost as good as new!”
Everyone knows helicopters don’t fly — they beat the air into submission. No way for that to cause metal and parts fatigue.
30,000 parts flying in formation...
surrounding a hydraulic leak.
“30,000 parts flying in formation...”
With one nut holding it up in the air.
L
As long as it's leaking, you're OK - it's when the leaking stops that you have to worry....
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.
Is it the cost per helicopter or the fleet.
“With one nut holding it up in the air”
The “Jesus Nut”. Because when it comes off, the first thing the pilot says is: “Oh Jesus!!”
But there are comforts for the pilot, such as the tail rotor as it keeps him cool. When it comes off, he starts to sweat.
It has a Cobra-ish look to it. They would have been been better off buying the real thing from Bell such as the AH-1Z.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.