Navy MRH commercial bids to be opened shortly

[anup]

Commercial bids for the Navy's multi-role helicopter (MRH) tender, a 16 helicopter procurement competition currently being fought over by NH Industries NH-90 and the Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk, will be opened shortly. After the Lockheed Martin MH-60R was dropped from the reckoning early last year after the Indian Government refused to go in for a foreign military sale (FMS) contract, extensive trials were conducted on the S-70B and NH-90.

The 16 helicopters will replace the Navy's ageing Westland Sea King fleet, though the latter themselves are up for an extensive upgrade programme, currently being fought over by AgustaWestland itself against a consortium of Israeli companies. The Navy's follow-on N-MRH effort is also under way, though the outcome of the MRH effort could have direct bearing, in the interests of inventory commonality.

 

[Abingdonboy]

Commercial bids for the Navy's multi-role helicopter (MRH) tender, a 16 helicopter procurement competition currently being fought over by NH Industries NH-90 and the Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk, will be opened shortly. After the Lockheed Martin MH-60R was dropped from the reckoning early last year after the Indian Government refused to go in for a foreign military sale (FMS) contract, extensive trials were conducted on the S-70B and NH-90.

The 16 helicopters will replace the Navy's ageing Westland Sea King fleet, though the latter themselves are up for an extensive upgrade programme, currently being fought over by AgustaWestland itself against a consortium of Israeli companies. The Navy's follow-on N-MRH effort is also under way, though the outcome of the MRH effort could have direct bearing, in the interests of inventory commonality.

Just when you think you have a handle on what's going on-BLAM Indian defence procurments throws another spanner in the works and your back to square one!!!


Seriously WTF is going on with this MRH procurment for IN? Only last week we are told this (or a VERY similar procurement) procurement will only be begun in late summer 2012 ie RFPs will be sent out in late 2012 so the earliest we can expect any movment is late 2013/14 but this news makes out we are VERY close to the end of this procurment- opening of commercial bids is one of the last stages that happen before a contract is signed. Then we are told (last week) that the MH-60R WILL take part in the bid but in this article it categorically states there is NO way the MH-60R is in the reckoning. We are also told the number is for 75 (NOT a major point as the 16 would be intial order and the 75 number could well be the total projected figure including follw-ons). WTF is going on?



Sorry if this doesn't read well but I was getting pretty carried away!

For cross-reference purposes, the article from last week which seems to be a million miles away from what this one states:

Lockheed Martin is eyeing an Indian request for proposals (RFP) for around 75 naval multi-role helicopters (NMRH) that is expected to be released late summer. The new rotorcraft would complement the Indian navy’s existing fleet of Westland Sea King 42 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.

Lockheed would bid the MH-60R “Romeo,” the Sikorsky-built helicopter that it modifies extensively for service with the U.S. Navy. The Eurocopter NH-90 is another possible contender.

Source: http://www.defence.pk/forums/indian...l-helicopter-contest-india.html#ixzz1zkSqzRzD

http://www.defence.pk/forums/indian...rtin-eyes-naval-helicopter-contest-india.html

MoD- masters of misinformation!

 

[Archie]

Let me clear your doubts

Their are 2 tenders
one for 16 ASW Helis , one for 75 Helis

 

[Abingdonboy]

Let me clear your doubts

Their are 2 tenders
one for 16 ASW Helis , one for 75 Helis

That's what I thought but I queried this with PSG and he told me there was only the one contract.

 

[sancho]

That's what I thought but I queried this with PSG and he told me there was only the one contract.

There are not 2 tenders, it started as a tender for 16 to replace some ASW helicopter versions of the Sea King, was increased to replace the whole ASW fleet and now was increased even further to add possibly the helicopters for the coming LPDs as well. The funny thing is, the more we buy of them, the less chances for an HAL medium class helicopter, which was aimed to be used in the navy as well.

 

[Rikbo]

Commercial bid validity extended till Dec 2012. NHI must really be worried to be pushing the MOD this hard. They have an inferior product and they know it! See the link below.

http://www.defenseworld.net/go/defensenews.jsp?id=7317&h=India%E2%80%99s%20$1%20Billion%20Navy%20Helicopter%20Competition%20Extended%20Until%20December%202012,%20Commercial%20Negotiations%20Soon

 

[Rikbo]

NH90 delivery issues continue. More reasons why the Indian Navy should choose the S-70B.

Norway threatens to cancel NH90 helicopter order

 

[Abingdonboy]

NH90 delivery issues continue. More reasons why the Indian Navy should choose the S-70B.

Norway threatens to cancel NH90 helicopter order

Norway is threatening to cancel its order for NH Industries NH90 helicopters, as its frustrations mount with delivery delays.

Oslo has eight of the NH90 maritime variant on order, configured for search and rescue operations for its coastguard. Deliveries were due to have been completed six years ago, but the nation has so far received just one of the type.

This is absurd-SIX years with 1 out of EIGHT being delivered?? There is no doubt with the size of US industrial capacity S-70/MH-60 orders for IN would be extremely fast.


6 year delay, I thought India ad it bad with some of its deals!

 

[sancho]

They have an inferior product and they know it!

Actually performancewise the NH90 has some advantages, but it's a new developed helicopter and obviously have their issuesm btw Sikorsky has the same issues with the S92 Cyclone as well.

 

[Sergi]

I too was thinking there are two different tenders thanks for info
Hope we don't see any more delays. This month has already become delay news month

 

[Rikbo]

Agreed Sancho but you can only put those advantages to work if the whole package is meeting it's requirements let alone being delivered in a timely manner.