Contract for 16 surveillance aircraft to be supplied by Jordanian licensee of AMD

Back in August, ANN reported that the Iraqi Air Force was back in the air, and that it would primrarily be undertaking surveillance missions to protect its infrastructure assets, using light aircraft.

Jordan Aerospace Industries, the first private company in the Middle East to manufacture, assemble and service light aircraft, has won a tender issued by the Iraqi provisional government for 16 light surveillance aircraft. The company manufactures the Sama CH2000 under license from Aircraft Manufacturing & Development Co., the US manufacturer of the aircraft, the Alarus CH2000.

The tender, originally issued by the US Army Aviation and Missile Command, and entitled "Aerial Surveillance Platform in support of the Coalition Provisional Authority - Iraq," was won by JAI after the company competed against several US and European aviation companies. JAI's location in the Middle East appears to have given the company the edge it needed to win the contract.

"For an American competitor, it is costly to manufacture and transport aircraft to Iraq," said Muayyad Samarrai, JAI director. "It is also risky, in terms of security, to transport aircraft parts and to send assembling teams to Iraq, let alone the labor costs." The JAI team of approximately 40 people is composed primarily of retirees from the Jordanian Royal Air Force. They work under the supervision of the Jordanian CAA, as well as Zenair Ltd. QA experts.

The Sama CH2000 is FAR 23 certified in Jordan, and the Alarus CH2000 is produced under FAA Type Certificate TA5CH. In addition, the CH2000 holds certification from some two dozen countries, and is IFR and spin certified under the Utility and Normal airworthiness categories. The aircraft is equipped with a Supplemental Restraint System airbag seatbelt. "The aircraft is tough and easy to work on. Spare parts are inexpensive and easy to install" states Muayyad Samarrai. "An excellent and proven design".

The Sama CH2000 is expected to serve in surveillance missions in Iraq such as those undertaken to protect infrastructure facilities. The company will also provide training for Iraqi pilots through the Mideast Aviation Academy and the Royal Aero Club, both Jorndan-based. The latter already owns a fleet of Sama CH2000's.

FMI: www.newplane.com, www.jai.jo