PANews
4th Aug 2004, 17:08
The Iraqi Agriculture Ministry have just issued a tender for 12 aircraft. It is all crop spraying stuff and the specification is very straight and narrow... anyone want to propose some types.…
I make it written around just one fixed wing type and two choices of helicopter [6 of each required]. All have to be new with two years spares backup and of Western origin and to have CAA or FAA certification…
Both specs include to be able to dispense the agro product through nozzles, atomiser or dusting. Both would have to operate in the Iraqi climate @ 50 degrees and be able to dump the stuff quickly in an emergency. Training is part of the package.
Helicopter: Payload 1,000kg, no range specified but powered by turbine engine of 750hp or more and have composite rotors, and sand filter. Fixed skid undercarriage with air conditioned cockpit with dual control capability.
FW Aircraft: Payload 1,000kg, 500km range powered by turbine engine of 750hp and have a reversible prop and sand filter. Fixed undercarriage with air-locking tail wheel. Wide speed range and STOL characteristics, sealed and air conditioned cockpit with clear visibility with dual control capability.
The rest of the tender spec relates to a fuel tanker, mobile workshop, GPU, fire fighting truck and boom crane.
But how many types can you identify as fitting that Heli spec… just TWO? Or more?
I make it written around just one fixed wing type and two choices of helicopter [6 of each required]. All have to be new with two years spares backup and of Western origin and to have CAA or FAA certification…
Both specs include to be able to dispense the agro product through nozzles, atomiser or dusting. Both would have to operate in the Iraqi climate @ 50 degrees and be able to dump the stuff quickly in an emergency. Training is part of the package.
Helicopter: Payload 1,000kg, no range specified but powered by turbine engine of 750hp or more and have composite rotors, and sand filter. Fixed skid undercarriage with air conditioned cockpit with dual control capability.
FW Aircraft: Payload 1,000kg, 500km range powered by turbine engine of 750hp and have a reversible prop and sand filter. Fixed undercarriage with air-locking tail wheel. Wide speed range and STOL characteristics, sealed and air conditioned cockpit with clear visibility with dual control capability.
The rest of the tender spec relates to a fuel tanker, mobile workshop, GPU, fire fighting truck and boom crane.
But how many types can you identify as fitting that Heli spec… just TWO? Or more?