Aus Army AW139s
 

Just heard from a refueler that the Aussie Army has put out a tender for AW139s? Are they going to be armed?

A "tender" for a single type from an OEM?

I heard this as well. 3x machines. Not armed but just to currency fly the bored pilots while they decide of they want to get new aircraft instead of the NH90 fleet.

Wow, A139's just to maintain currency instead of NH90?

And I thought the RNZAF was profligate in purchasing A109M for ab-initio training!

The army used to have some EC135 at Darwin to maintain proficiency while waiting for the Tigers.

And it will certainly be handy to be typed and current on one of the most commonly used EMS/SAR and Offshore heli platforms in Oz when you retire.

Were they not supplied in leui of penalty payments due to the overrun in the Tigers contract?

AW139 Leased or purchased ? No info on ADF tender website and no info on review of MRH future withdrawal either. Bit of scaremongering going on??

The precedent was set in 2007 when the Navy leased 3 A109's to give the new pilots something to fly while they waited their turn for conversion onto Seahawk etc.

Numpty:

Yes

If it's accurate... what a wonderful use of taxpayer funds when arguably a 109, 135 or even the IFR 119 would do the trick?

Could it actually be more about jobs for the boys on the taxpayer's ticket... again?

One hopes that there's a more sensible explanation or that it's actually rubbish.

Instead of training their pilots to leave, why not get H145 and/or B429 to evaluate them for the “little bird” project, and create a cadre of trained guys for when the little birds are finally chosen?

Careful w_ocker, that sounds like logic...

Then again the RAAF uses them for SAR operated and flown by CHC....

http://www.adf-serials.com/AW139.htm

Be nice to see AW139 painted in Oz camouflage or will they have the civilian colors of the successful nodded but with Army titles only.

cheers

any more Updates or links to this tender?

cheers

Chopper, bid deadline is tomorrow. Anyone with idle 139s expected to bid. Contract to start in November.

Bit more info out...https://adbr.com.au/army-seeking-interim-helicopter-capability/

Another article hinting to a further purchase beyond the 'interim' capibilty. More AW139s or perhaps something larger?

A high-level Defence official told ABC Investigations the ADF was considering major purchases, including a new fleet of cheaper, civilian-grade helicopters to respond to fires and floods.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-...rises/12821174

I do wonder if the matter is really more about a bunch of frustrated ./ bored Army aviators looking to qualify themselves sufficiently to leave the service? That would be just what the Aussie industry needs :P

Heard that Toll are the front runner for this... where are they getting machines from?