New AAC Helicopters

[GeorgeC]

Joint Helicopter Command is looking to replace its Gazelle fleet with off-the shelf Civilian Owned, Military Registered Helicopters.  These fly in a General Support Role in Canada, Germany and the UK and in NI (where they are planned to hand over their more specialist roles to PSNI ac like in the mainland). The following, Frome Jane's Defence Weekly, should give spark some nice ideas for grey/green camouflage schemes

'It is expected that several operators will bid for the contract, including Bristow/Cobham joint venture FB Heliservices, which currently provides the AAC Bell 212 and Royal Air Force Bell 412 fleets, and EADS subsidiary McAlpine. Helicopters expected to be offered include EC 135 and EC 145 derivatives, Agusta 109LUH, Twin Squirrel and MD 902 Explorer.'

Regards

George C  

[Aircav]

They've got to be out of their tree, at least with the Gazelle you can use it as a weapons platform if needed...........I can just see the lease, "Not to be flown near any danger"

[Captain Canada]

Yup, it's a crazy world we live in, Stevie......contracting out the Armed Forces. Crazy stuff.......

I do like the look of those Bell 212/412s you guys use in Akrotiri and eslewhere. Nice......It would be pretty cool to see them all camo'd up as well. Perhaps with some day-glo.

Just what we need around here......a helicopter GB !

 

[Aircav]

Well the only reason the Westland Scout saw combat in the Falklands was because the helicopter that was replacing it, the Lynx couldn't operate in that type of climate.
The other odd thing is why is the replacement always bigger than the original,
Skeeter, Sioux, Gazelle.....
Scout, Lynx....
At this rate the Gazelle replacement will be a helicopter the size of the SeaKing.
Rant over
Now how about an update for the gazelle like the Kiowa got, new engine, four bladed hub, mast mounted sight and some weapons pylons like the French have with may be a 20mm cannon and some small air-to-air missiles or some AT missiles  

[Spey_Phantom]

i would Favour the EC-635, the armed military version of the EC-135.
i think it would make a great replacement, its got the almost the same capabilities.

http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/ec_635/



however, there's still the Kiowa, Defender, EC-145, ....

[GeorgeC]

The Gazelle's replacement in the recce/op role is the Lynx; the new AAC attack regts have 2x8ac AH sqns and 1x8ac Lynx sqn.  You cant really stick anything on the AAC Gazelles which are very much Mk1 models - the ALAT SA342s are essentially a different ac apart from the skin and structure, think Spitfire I and Spitfire 24, and have an engine which is twice the power!  The Gazelle was suitable for skimming about an Armd Div packed into a 20x20 km area on the Inner German Border but can't cut the mustard today - even the ac with limited Northern Ireland mods are struggling a bit and you would have no chance hot and high in Afghanistan.  The Lynx is planned to be replaced by the Battlefield Light Utility Helicopter (BLUH pronunced Bloo) which is an entirely new 'super' Lynx which shares the airframe and powersystem of its naval counterpart, the Surface Combatant Maritime RotorCraft (SCMR or 'Skimmer'), with different sensors and weapons according to role.

The last few Gazelles being replaced are essentially in the 'taxi' role - and even a bit small for that with only the space for 3 pax - and limited range.   Like the Akrotiri, Brunei and Belize ac, these will be operated under military rules by military ac  - but if you break someone else's toy you have to buy them another one.  32Sqn's new A109s, provided the same way, are very gucci!    

The Army Lynx wasn't down the Falklands in 82 because the Marine and UK-based AAC Sqns were not equipped with them - we couldn't afford to replace all the Scouts.  The 24 or so RN Lynx worked fine in the conditions.

Regards

GeorgeC

   

[Nick]

Considering that we currently use Squirrels as training helicopters and Twin Squirrels for VIP transport duties it would not surprise me if we simply bought more of those.

That said, it would not surprise me if we bought a completely new and different type just for the sake of it!  

What will they replace the Sea Kings with for SAR duties? Apparently the Merlins are considered to have too powerful down-draught for hovering over injured people.

Nick  B)  

[GeorgeC]

The contract to supply the 32 (The Royal) Sqn helicopters was recompeted and the new winner provided A109s so the Twin Squirrels have gone.  Rather than buying an aircraft you buy a service which provides a 'capability' which can be supplied by a variety of aircraft and a variable number of them.    

The Coastguard SAR contract has been changed and I think the new contractor will fly a S92 derivative based on the Canadian shipborne helo.  The long term solution for SAR is planned to be competed as a complete service - think a small indepenent airforce working as SARForce plc/inc/AG - but with military pesonnel embedded in a number of aircrew and ops positions.  The winning bidder will chose their own air platform(s) withing the performance specifications set by the tender.  CSAR is now firmly in the JHC remit with the Cdo and Merlin forces.

Regards

GeorgeC

[Captain Canada]

Speaking ( or is that 'Seaking'? ) of beautiful helicopter schemes, did you guys see this one ?

Wow.....

http://www.hsgalleries.com/gallery04/sh3da...artworkuc_1.htm

[GeorgeC]

The Lynx is planned to be replaced by the Battlefield Light Utility Helicopter (BLUH pronunced Bloo) which is an entirely new 'super' Lynx which shares the airframe and powersystem of its naval counterpart, the Surface Combatant Maritime RotorCraft (SCMR or 'Skimmer'), with different sensors and weapons according to role.

There is a coincidence, announced on 22 July that the UK MOD will buy 70 Future Lynx to meet these requirements, with an option on a further 10.  The RN currently operate 24 D/FFG with a helo on the back, the Cdo force another 6, and the AAC 6 squadrons of 8.  So with training units, maintenance airframes and a reserve to cover losses that all adds up to...

Regards

GeorgeC

[Ollie]

The Coast Guard contract was won by CHC, which is a Canadian outfit!

 

[Hatchet]

What will they replace the Sea Kings with for SAR duties? Apparently the Merlins are considered to have too powerful down-draught for hovering over injured people.

Our Merlins are used for SAR work, as well as troop transport.

[Ollie]

Our Merlins, erm, Cormorants are used for SAR duties.

 

[nev]

F-14s would be a better choice to fulfil the SAR role.

[lancer]

F-14s would be a better choice to fulfil the SAR role.

What the hell have you been drinking mate??