The 1998 order for 15 CH-149 SAR birds was valued at C$790-million ($605-million in real money). Presumably the maritime helo's price tag reflects considerably higher costs vis-à-vis mission equipment.
Given that the difference between the two bids was reportedly so small (1%), I'd be interested to hear whether the losing EH101 team was allowed to claim commonality savings as part of their 20 year costs (estimated at 15% by the DND) - Nick: any insider info ?
At least AgustaWestland can take some consolation (well, 32 percent's worth) from Oman's order for 20 NH90s.
I/C
Last edited by Ian Corrigible; 25th Jul 2004 at 21:00.