It appears like Leonardo and its AW149 helicopter are taking the lead for the UK’s new medium helicopter. As reported by FlightGlobal, the competitors has seen Airbus [H175M] and Sikorsky [S-70M Black Hawk] stepping out.
Bids for the New Medium Helicopter [NMH] requirement have been due by August 30, and rumors had been swirling for weeks that Airbus and Sikorsky may again out, which FlightGlobal confirmed. The publication famous a major distinction between Leonardo’s supply and people from the opposite two firms.
Airbus, together with its companions, concluded that they couldn’t submit a bid that will responsibly meet the shopper’s wants, ship a good long-term return, and nonetheless have a practical probability of successful.
The UK Ministry of Defence’s New Medium Helicopter [NMH] program is an thrilling initiative designed to revamp the nation’s rotary-wing fleet. This bold effort plans to interchange a number of getting old helicopter fashions with one adaptable platform able to executing varied missions like troop transport, search and rescue, and medical evacuations.
Contemplating its significance to the UK’s protection technique, the NMH program comes with a hefty price ticket. Though the precise numbers are nonetheless underneath wraps, estimates place the associated fee at a number of billion kilos over this system’s lifecycle, together with procurement, upkeep, and operational prices.
This program guarantees to considerably bolster the UK armed forces with a recent fleet of helicopters. Whereas the exact quantity is but to be confirmed, it’s anticipated that the acquisition will vary between 30 to 50 helicopters, making certain they’re well-equipped for the varied roles these new plane will undertake.
The NMH goals to interchange a number of getting old helicopter fashions presently serving the UK armed forces, together with the Puma HC2, Bell 212, Bell 412, and Dauphin helicopters. These older fashions, having been in service for a few years, have gotten more and more costly to keep up and function.
Technical elements of the NMH program spotlight its versatility and superior options. The brand new helicopters are anticipated to come back outfitted with cutting-edge avionics, enhanced survivability options, and the potential to perform in varied environments, from city settings to harsh terrains. Moreover, they are going to probably embody trendy communication methods and superior navigation aids to spice up operational effectivity and security.
Leonardo’s proposal of the AW149 helicopter to the UK underneath the New Medium Helicopter [NMH] program contains a number of important parts designed to safe the contract and improve native financial advantages.
Leonardo has put ahead a plan to fabricate AW149 helicopters at its Yeovil facility in Somerset, marking this website as their main manufacturing hub within the UK. Right here, all the pieces from manufacturing to closing meeting and integration will happen. This method ensures that the UK maintains its personal functionality to supply and take care of the fleet.
Producing the AW149 within the UK is about to guard and create a major variety of jobs. It’s estimated that roughly 700 jobs will likely be straight supported on the Yeovil website, with a fair higher influence seen as 1000’s extra jobs pop up throughout the UK provide chain.
Leonardo’s proposal highlights the in depth use of UK-based suppliers, which can additional strengthen the British aerospace and protection sectors. This reinforcement ensures a robust home provide chain, boosting the economic system. The mission can also be anticipated to facilitate the switch of essential expertise and superior expertise to the UK workforce, providing wonderful coaching and improvement alternatives in cutting-edge manufacturing and engineering fields.
Leonardo underscored the long-term benefits of its proposal, highlighting lifecycle value effectivity, upkeep, and improve potential—all domestically managed. This might imply important returns on funding for the UK authorities all through the helicopters’ operational life.
By producing the AW149 inside the UK, the nation would guarantee management over an important phase of its protection infrastructure, lessening reliance on international suppliers and boosting nationwide safety. The Yeovil facility may additionally function an export hub for AW149 helicopters, doubtlessly driving additional financial advantages and establishing the UK as a pacesetter within the international helicopter market.
The AW149 was showcased as a flexible and adaptable helicopter designed to satisfy the various calls for of the NMH program. It was proposed as a super successor for older fashions just like the Puma HC2, providing flexibility for a number of roles from troop transport to medical evacuation.
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