Rivals sweeten bids for Danish maritime helicopter deal

photo UK MoD

AgustaWestland is seeking a launch export customer for its AW159 Lynx Wildcat

Jan 28, 2012 by Craig Hoyle – Flight Global

London - Two main rivals for a Danish maritime helicopter replacement contract have announced new teaming arrangements in support of their promotion of the AW159 Lynx Wildcat and MH-60R Seahawk.

AgustaWestland and Sikorsky confirmed the developments in late January in the contest to replace Denmark's current Westland Lynx airframes. The companies signed a heads of agreement document with Aarhus-headquartered Systematic and a memorandum of agreement with Karup-based Aerotech, respectively.

Under the proposals, AgustaWestland will draw on Systematic's experience in command and control and electronic warfare equipment for its bid, and also promote the company's products on the international stage. Sikorsky Aerospace Services would contract Aerotech to participate in the delivery of logistics support over a 30-year period in the event of a Seahawk selection.

"The AW159 offers Denmark a modern off-the-shelf solution that is fully compatible with all its existing ships," AgustaWestland said.

Sikorsky noted that it has already delivered more than 100 MH-60R "Romeo" helicopters to the US Navy. The company also secured its first export order for the type late last year, with Australia having selected it for a 24-aircraft requirement.


More than 100 Sikorsky MH-60R "Romeos" are already in US Navy service

Denmark's Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation is expected to announce the winner of the maritime helicopter replacement programme later this year. Eurocopter's AS565 Panther has previously been named as another contender.