Not a rumour.
189 and 175 still both very much in the race.
Eurocopter is proposing to establish the UK as a ‘centre of excellence’ for the SAR variant of the EC175, should the aircraft be chosen for the country’s latest SAR tender.
A decision on the Long SAR project is expected early next year, which will see SAR services provided by contracted civilian crews under decade-long contracts across three lots.
Speaking to reporters at the Farnborough International Airshow, Eurocopter UK CEO Markus Steinke, noted that all the competitors – including future EC175 operators Bristow, Bond and NHV – had offered the EC175 as an option as part of their bid.
Steinke argued that given the early state of the EC175’s adoption, the UK would be able to shape the ‘basic evolution’ of the SAR variant of the aircraft should it be selected.
‘The UK SAR solution will be the trendsetter for the worldwide application of the aircraft in the SAR role. From the UK, we will also be able to serve the worldwide SAR needs,’ Steinke said.
He said such a ‘centre of excellence’ would include the customisation of the aircraft, training, simulation and development of specialist technicians within the UK.
Eurocopter envisions success in the SAR project as a way of increasing their footprint in the UK beyond the current 1600 employees and brought the EC175 to the air show for its first appearance outside France to help raise the profile of its bid.
The manufacturer claims the aircraft’s performance would give a comfortable 250nm radius of action, allowing it to carry out all but the longest range missions. Such flights could be made by the EC225, which may partner the EC175 in any Long SAR contract.
The company faces strong competition, however, in the form of the AgustaWestland AW189, which has also been offered as an option by all four competitors for Long SAR.
AgustaWestland used Farnborough to showcase the commonality of its new family of aircraft, with the AW159, AW169 and AW189 playing a prominent role.
CEO Bruno Spagnolini also confirmed that full final assembly of SAR-configured AW189s will be established in the UK should the aircraft be selected for the Long SAR requirement.*