miles magistrate
30th Nov 2005, 08:25
Thought this might be of interest:
MM
UK: Merlin CSP upgrade in doubt following non-approval
Aviation Weekly, 21 Nov 2005,:-
The future of the UK Royal Navy Merlin helicopter upgrade is in jeopardy following non-endorsement by a top government official. The UK Minister for Defence Procurement, Paul Drayson, decided against approving the GB£ 800mn (US$ 1.41bn) Merlin capability sustainment plus program (CSP), contrary to the backing of the Defence Ministry's Investment Approval Board. Ministry sources are now suggesting that the contract could be postponed until mid-2006. According to the latest timetables the first upgraded Merlin was to be delivered in 2012 to the Navy, entering service in 2013. The Merlin CSP is now being considered as part of the Defence Ministry's overall future rotorcraft capability (FRC), which may also have contributed to Drayson's decision.
© Esmerk
UK: Future Lynx launch delayed until early-mid 2006
Jane's Defence Weekly, 23 Nov 2005, p.10:-
The UK government's plans to finalise a deal with AgustaWestland to launch its Future Lynx project by the end of 2005 look increasingly unlikely. Sources from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) commented that the Future Lynx proposal to replace some Royal Navy and Army Air Corps (AAC) Lynx
helicopters is not yet 'technically and financially mature' enough to be taken to the Investment Appraisals Board (IAB), which recommends procurement plans to government ministers. As the plan has not yet gone before the IAB, the Future Lynx project could not be formally launched until late into the first quarter of 2006 or even as late as the second quarter. The delay follows diminishing availability of the helicopters scheduled for
replacement, which could lead to a six-year capability gap according to some army officers.
© Esmerk
MM
UK: Merlin CSP upgrade in doubt following non-approval
Aviation Weekly, 21 Nov 2005,:-
The future of the UK Royal Navy Merlin helicopter upgrade is in jeopardy following non-endorsement by a top government official. The UK Minister for Defence Procurement, Paul Drayson, decided against approving the GB£ 800mn (US$ 1.41bn) Merlin capability sustainment plus program (CSP), contrary to the backing of the Defence Ministry's Investment Approval Board. Ministry sources are now suggesting that the contract could be postponed until mid-2006. According to the latest timetables the first upgraded Merlin was to be delivered in 2012 to the Navy, entering service in 2013. The Merlin CSP is now being considered as part of the Defence Ministry's overall future rotorcraft capability (FRC), which may also have contributed to Drayson's decision.
© Esmerk
UK: Future Lynx launch delayed until early-mid 2006
Jane's Defence Weekly, 23 Nov 2005, p.10:-
The UK government's plans to finalise a deal with AgustaWestland to launch its Future Lynx project by the end of 2005 look increasingly unlikely. Sources from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) commented that the Future Lynx proposal to replace some Royal Navy and Army Air Corps (AAC) Lynx
helicopters is not yet 'technically and financially mature' enough to be taken to the Investment Appraisals Board (IAB), which recommends procurement plans to government ministers. As the plan has not yet gone before the IAB, the Future Lynx project could not be formally launched until late into the first quarter of 2006 or even as late as the second quarter. The delay follows diminishing availability of the helicopters scheduled for
replacement, which could lead to a six-year capability gap according to some army officers.
© Esmerk