Bell AH-Z for Australia
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Bell AH-Z for Australia
Bell Helicopter, BAE Systems Australia team to provide enhanced rotorcraft service and support
The signing today with BAE Systems establishes the groundwork for what will be the premier provider of service and support for future customers of Bell Helicopter military rotorcraft in Australia,” said Lisa Atherton, executive vice president of Military Business for Bell Helicopter. “BAE Systems is an Australian aerospace leader with unmatched technical knowledge and expertise. This relationship aligns our interests and pursuits as we work together to pursue opportunities to strengthen and support the capability and posture of the Australian Defence Force.”
The signing today with BAE Systems establishes the groundwork for what will be the premier provider of service and support for future customers of Bell Helicopter military rotorcraft in Australia,” said Lisa Atherton, executive vice president of Military Business for Bell Helicopter. “BAE Systems is an Australian aerospace leader with unmatched technical knowledge and expertise. This relationship aligns our interests and pursuits as we work together to pursue opportunities to strengthen and support the capability and posture of the Australian Defence Force.”
Under the teaming agreement, BAE Systems will play a significant role in providing support for Bell Helicopter AH-1Z Viper attack rotorcraft. This will include overseeing helicopter maintenance and sustainment, and supporting training for future customers.
“We are looking forward to working closely on opportunities with Bell Helicopter as its sustainment and support partner in Australia,” said Steve Drury, BAE Systems Australia Aerospace Director. “We are one of Australia’s leading, total aircraft sustainment providers, committed to maximising defence capability for least cost. We have been maintaining rotary wing aircraft for more than 20 years and this long-term strategic partnership with Bell Helicopter offers a superior end-to-end military rotorcraft solution.”
The AH-1Z Viper is the world’s most advanced attack helicopter. It shares 85% commonality of major components with Bell Helicopter’s UH-1Y Venom utility rotorcraft, enhancing deployability and maintainability, while reducing training requirements and the logistical footprint between the two platforms.
The AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom are marinized aircraft, designed specifically for sustained high performance when operating on ship and shore bases, in the open seas, littoral zones, and in desert and tropical environments. The airframes are manufactured to resist corrosion present in coastal and humid environments, making these aircraft mission-capable in practically every environment on the planet.
Bell has been pitching this idea for at least a year now
Avalon 2015: Bell touts AH-1Z as maritime attack platform for Australia | IHS Jane's 360
Not sure how much of it is being driven by the Australians, and how much is Bell being a bit cheeky/opportunist.
Avalon 2015: Bell touts AH-1Z as maritime attack platform for Australia | IHS Jane's 360
Not sure how much of it is being driven by the Australians, and how much is Bell being a bit cheeky/opportunist.
The fact that the French, Germans and Spanish have deployed Tiger would suggest that the issue is not the Helicopter but something else.
Nice little marketing ploy by Bell however, no matter how hard you polish it - a turd is a turd. Z is nothing on Tigre or E Apache. They have been trying unsuccessfully for years to sell those things in the region.
Nice little marketing ploy by Bell however, no matter how hard you polish it - a turd is a turd. Z is nothing on Tigre or E Apache. They have been trying unsuccessfully for years to sell those things in the region.
The fact that the French, Germans and Spanish have deployed Tiger would suggest that the issue is not the Helicopter but something else.
Nice little marketing ploy by Bell however, no matter how hard you polish it - a turd is a turd. Z is nothing on Tigre or E Apache. They have been trying unsuccessfully for years to sell those things in the region.
Pakistan signed for 12-15 I think. With the history of failed "sales" in the region I am a little apprehensive about that "sale" being delivered.
Tiger has deployed off of ships (Libya and West Africa) with the French. It is a composite airframe and is just as "marinised" as a Z. Ask any Navy maintainer about "Marinised" aircraft and the scale of what that can mean. The chinook is not "Marinised" but it will sail a lot on the Canberra Class Nu Ships. Oh, and the Tiger is certified for flight in visible moisture unlike the Z. Minor issues I guess.
On an important front as a tax payer, to throw away a highly capable asset for an alternative and less capable asset (plus the additional and huge training and facilities cost (Comms/Log/Mission planning/Munitions etc etc) stinks of excuse making and smoke screens that would be a waste of money and time. The Soldiers who walk the ground need the skill set of the operators and the capability of Tiger, another type would rob them of that for even longer and that would be a tragedy of Shakespeare proportions.
Tiger has deployed off of ships (Libya and West Africa) with the French. It is a composite airframe and is just as "marinised" as a Z. Ask any Navy maintainer about "Marinised" aircraft and the scale of what that can mean. The chinook is not "Marinised" but it will sail a lot on the Canberra Class Nu Ships. Oh, and the Tiger is certified for flight in visible moisture unlike the Z. Minor issues I guess.
On an important front as a tax payer, to throw away a highly capable asset for an alternative and less capable asset (plus the additional and huge training and facilities cost (Comms/Log/Mission planning/Munitions etc etc) stinks of excuse making and smoke screens that would be a waste of money and time. The Soldiers who walk the ground need the skill set of the operators and the capability of Tiger, another type would rob them of that for even longer and that would be a tragedy of Shakespeare proportions.
