Sat, Jun 23, 2007
Will Allow Fleet To Remain In Service Thru 2022
Eurocopter announced this week it was recently awarded an
Assessment Phase (AP) contract by the UK's Ministry of Defense, for
the Life Extension Program for the RAF's fleet of Puma Mk1
helicopters.
The program will focus on a comprehensive upgrades to the Puma
fleet, including new Turbomeca 'Makila' engines, glass cockpits,
and new communications, navigation and defensive systems for up to
35 of the RAF Puma Mk1 helicopters.
The upgrades should allow the Pumas -- to be designated Puma HC
Mk2 -- to be capable of remaining in service until around 2022.
Their performance and payload will be significantly enhanced,
particularly in hot and high conditions, according to Eurocopter
officials.
"The contract represents an important new phase in our
relationship with Eurocopter," said DG Helicopter's Jonathan Lyle.
"It offers the RAF the prospect of significantly enhanced Puma
capability. We look forward to working with Eurocopter in the
integrated Joint Project Office and to building a better
understanding of how to enhance and sustain the UK Puma fleet into
the future."
The Assessment Phase, scheduled for the next 12 months, will
consider the detailed technical, operational and cost implications
of the upgrade. Successful completion of the AP will lead to a full
Development and Manufacture contract for delivery of the main
program.
In a development reflecting the Defence Industrial Strategy's
emphasis on an improved business environment, Eurocopter and the
MOD will manage the AP in a Joint Project Office, soon to open in
Bristol. As the backbone of the RAF's fleet of medium lift
helicopters, the Pumas continue to play a vital role in operational
theatres such as Iraq, delivering very high operational readiness
levels.
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