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== Background == |
== Background == |
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In the 1967 there was an Anglo-French coöperation on helicopters which resulted in a fleet of 48 Westland Puma, which were [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma|Sud Aviation/Aerospatiale SA330]];the first was delivered in 1968 and British production was active by 1970. The Westland Puma HC.1 fleet replaced [[Westland Whirlwind (helicopter)|Westland Whirlwind HC.Mk 10]] and served with distinction in Rhodesia, Northern Ireland, Belize, the 1st [[Gulf War]], including [[Operation Granby]], Balkans, and humanitarian relief operations globally. However, in the 21st century its performance was found lacking in "[[Hot and high|Hot and High]]" conditions as encountered on [[Operation Herrick]] in Afghanistan. In the 2010s 24 were upgraded with more powerful engines, and entered service as the Puma HC.2 starting in 2013. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Puma HC2 The Puma HC Mk2 is a Royal Air Force medium support helicopter |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/puma-hc2/}}</ref> The Puma HC.2 fleet is planned to be supported until at least 2028.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNeil |first=Harry |date=2023-09-07 |title=Puma support agreement raises questions about UK's new helicopter programme |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/puma-support-agreement-raises-questions-about-uks-new-helicopter-programme/ |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=Airforce Technology |language=en-US}}</ref>[[File:Puma (52362465740).jpg|thumb|A RAF Puma helicopter. Although upgraded in the 2010s, the fleet is on track to have been in service 60+ years.|left]] |
In the 1967 there was an Anglo-French coöperation on helicopters which resulted in a fleet of 48 Westland Puma, which were [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma|Sud Aviation/Aerospatiale SA330]];the first was delivered in 1968 and British production was active by 1970. The Westland Puma HC.1 fleet replaced [[Westland Whirlwind (helicopter)|Westland Whirlwind HC.Mk 10]] and served with distinction in Rhodesia, Northern Ireland, Belize, the 1st [[Gulf War]], including [[Operation Granby]], Balkans, and humanitarian relief operations globally. However, in the 21st century its performance was found lacking in "[[Hot and high|Hot and High]]" conditions as encountered on [[Operation Herrick]] in Afghanistan. In the 2010s 24 were upgraded with more powerful engines, and entered service as the Puma HC.2 starting in 2013. <ref>{{Cite web |title=Puma HC2 The Puma HC Mk2 is a Royal Air Force medium support helicopter |url=https://www.raf.mod.uk/aircraft/puma-hc2/}}</ref> The Puma HC.2 fleet is planned to be supported until at least 2028.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McNeil |first=Harry |date=2023-09-07 |title=Puma support agreement raises questions about UK's new helicopter programme |url=https://www.airforce-technology.com/news/puma-support-agreement-raises-questions-about-uks-new-helicopter-programme/ |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=Airforce Technology |language=en-US}}</ref>[[File:Puma (52362465740).jpg|thumb|A RAF Puma helicopter. Although upgraded in the 2010s, the fleet is on track to have been in service 60+ years.|left]] |
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On 22 March 2021, the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] (MOD) published ''[[Defence in a Competitive Age]]'', in which it indicated that it would invest in a new medium-lift helicopter during the mid-2020s.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |date=March 2021 |title=Integrated Force 2020 – Army |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/974661/CP411_-Defence_Command_Plan.pdf |journal=Defence Command Paper: Defence in a Competitive Age (CP411) |publisher=Ministry of Defence |pages=54}}</ref> The ''Defence and Security Industrial Strategy'', published at the same time, outlined that to maintain cost-effective access to upgrades and support for the helicopter fleet, the MOD's intention was to consolidate |
On 22 March 2021, the [[Ministry of Defence (United Kingdom)|Ministry of Defence]] (MOD) published ''[[Defence in a Competitive Age]]'', in which it indicated that it would invest in a new medium-lift helicopter during the mid-2020s.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal |date=March 2021 |title=Integrated Force 2020 – Army |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/974661/CP411_-Defence_Command_Plan.pdf |journal=Defence Command Paper: Defence in a Competitive Age (CP411) |publisher=Ministry of Defence |pages=54}}</ref> The ''Defence and Security Industrial Strategy'', published at the same time, outlined that to maintain cost-effective access to upgrades and support for the helicopter fleet, the MOD's intention was to consolidate existing fleets through their replacement by a new aircraft acquired through the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme.<ref>{{Cite web|date=26 March 2021|title=Defence and Security Industrial Strategy: A strategic approach to the UK's defence and security industrial sectors (CP 410) |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/971983/Defence_and_Security_Industrial_Strategy_-_FINAL.pdf |access-date=18 September 2021 |website=Gov.uk |publisher=Ministry of Defence|page=99}}</ref> The aircraft to be replaced are the [[Royal Air Force|Royal Air Force's]] twenty-three [[Aérospatiale SA 330 Puma|Westland Puma HC2]] and three [[Bell 412|Bell 412 Griffin]]; and the [[British Army|British Army's]] three [[Bell 212]] and six [[Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin|Airbus AS365 Dauphin]].<ref name="Jennings">{{Cite web|last=Jennings|first=Gareth|date=14 September 2021|title=DSEI 2021: Contenders showcase New Medium Helicopter offerings for UK|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/dsei-2021-contenders-showcase-new-medium-helicopter-offerings-for-uk|access-date=17 September 2021|website=Janes.com|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Losey |first=Stephen |date=2024-02-27 |title=UK opens bidding for new helicopter, to award contract in 2025 |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/02/27/uk-opens-bidding-for-new-helicopter-to-award-contract-in-2025/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Defense News |publisher=Sightline Media Group |language=en}}</ref> In 2022, the MOD said up to 44 aircraft would be purchased.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Allison |first1=George |title=UK begins £1bn project for New Medium Helicopters |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-begins-1bn-project-for-new-medium-helicopters |access-date=13 December 2022 |date=19 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220519084120/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/uk-begins-1bn-project-for-new-medium-helicopters |archive-date=19 May 2022 |quote=The Ministry of Defence is looking to buy up to 44 New Medium Helicopters (NMH) to replace existing helicopters.}}</ref> |
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Despite the MOD at the time having yet to release a formal requirement, [[Airbus Helicopters]], [[Leonardo S.p.A.|Leonardo]] and [[Sikorsky Aircraft|Sikorsky]] all displayed their proposals to meet the NMH requirement at the [[DSEI|DSEI 2021]] defence exhibition in September 2021.<ref name="Jennings" /> |
Despite the MOD at the time having yet to release a formal requirement, [[Airbus Helicopters]], [[Leonardo S.p.A.|Leonardo]] and [[Sikorsky Aircraft|Sikorsky]] (part of [[Lockheed Martin]]) all displayed their proposals to meet the NMH requirement at the [[DSEI|DSEI 2021]] defence exhibition in September 2021.<ref name="Jennings" /> |
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In October 2021, the MOD indicated that no final decision had been taken on the method of procurement, but that the expectation was that it will be subject to a competition.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hunter|first=Jamie|date=20 October 2021|title=Airbus pushes new H175M for UK Puma replacement|url=https://verticalmag.com/news/airbus-pushes-new-h175m-for-uk-puma-replacement/|access-date=23 October 2021|website=Vertical Mag|publisher=MHM Publishing|language=en-US}}</ref> A prior information notice was published by the MOD on 11 November 2021, which outlined the scope of the project and the intention to carry out early engagement with potential suppliers. The MOD indicated that it anticipated 36 to 44 new helicopters would be procured, as well as two cockpit [[flight simulator]]s and one cabin simulator.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jennings |first1=Gareth |title=UK launches New Medium Helicopter effort with Market Interest Day |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uk-launches-new-medium-helicopter-effort-with-market-interest-day |access-date=13 December 2022 |work=Janes.com |date=12 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127183546/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uk-launches-new-medium-helicopter-effort-with-market-interest-day |archive-date=27 January 2022 |language=en |quote=According to the notification, the requirement will cover between 36 and 44 aircraft, as well as two cockpit and one cabin simulator...}}</ref> At this stage the estimated cost of the contract was £1 billion and it was anticipated to run from October 2023 until October 2028.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 November 2021 |title=New Medium Helicopter (NMH) |url=https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/a33161ad-3371-45d0-a33e-f7cb5d2a4bdf |website=Contracts Finder (GOV.UK) |publisher=Ministry of Defence}}</ref> |
In October 2021, the MOD indicated that no final decision had been taken on the method of procurement, but that the expectation was that it will be subject to a competition.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hunter|first=Jamie|date=20 October 2021|title=Airbus pushes new H175M for UK Puma replacement|url=https://verticalmag.com/news/airbus-pushes-new-h175m-for-uk-puma-replacement/|access-date=23 October 2021|website=Vertical Mag|publisher=MHM Publishing|language=en-US}}</ref> A prior information notice was published by the MOD on 11 November 2021, which outlined the scope of the project and the intention to carry out early engagement with potential suppliers. The MOD indicated that it anticipated 36 to 44 new helicopters would be procured, as well as two cockpit [[flight simulator]]s and one cabin simulator.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jennings |first1=Gareth |title=UK launches New Medium Helicopter effort with Market Interest Day |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uk-launches-new-medium-helicopter-effort-with-market-interest-day |access-date=13 December 2022 |work=Janes.com |date=12 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220127183546/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uk-launches-new-medium-helicopter-effort-with-market-interest-day |archive-date=27 January 2022 |language=en |quote=According to the notification, the requirement will cover between 36 and 44 aircraft, as well as two cockpit and one cabin simulator...}}</ref> At this stage the estimated cost of the contract was £1 billion and it was anticipated to run from October 2023 until October 2028.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 November 2021 |title=New Medium Helicopter (NMH) |url=https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/Attachment/a33161ad-3371-45d0-a33e-f7cb5d2a4bdf |website=Contracts Finder (GOV.UK) |publisher=Ministry of Defence}}</ref> |
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The MOD published a contract notice on 18 May 2022, officially commencing the competition and confirming the intention to acquire up to 44 aircraft. The contact would also include air and ground crew training as well as in-service [[Aircraft maintenance|technical support and maintenance]]. The contract would now be worth between £900 million and £1.2 billion. Although no contract start date was indicated, it is specified as running for seven years from the date of award. [[Invitation to tender|Invitations to tender]] were expected to be issued by the MOD by 30 September 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Dominic |date=19 May 2022 |title=UK launches New Medium Helicopter procurement |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/uk-launches-new-medium-helicopter-procurement/148713.article |access-date=23 May 2022 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref> |
The MOD published a contract notice on 18 May 2022, officially commencing the competition and confirming the intention to acquire up to 44 aircraft. The contact would also include air and ground crew training as well as in-service [[Aircraft maintenance|technical support and maintenance]]. The contract would now be worth between £900 million and £1.2 billion. Although no contract start date was indicated, it is specified as running for seven years from the date of award. [[Invitation to tender|Invitations to tender]] were expected to be issued by the MOD by 30 September 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Perry |first=Dominic |date=19 May 2022 |title=UK launches New Medium Helicopter procurement |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/uk-launches-new-medium-helicopter-procurement/148713.article |access-date=23 May 2022 |website=Flight Global |language=en}}</ref> |
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In July 2023, |
In July 2023, the defence media reported that the number of aircraft to be acquired had been reduced to a maximum of 35.<ref> {{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Tim |date=2023-07-15 |title=UK reducing New Medium Helicopter buy to 25-35 aircraft: Airbus exec |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2023/07/uk-reducing-new-medium-helicopter-buy-to-25-35-aircraft-airbus-exec/ |access-date=2023-07-17 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}} </ref> However, the MOD denied it had reduced the quantity under consideration, stating "There has been no change to the advertised requirement in the New Medium Helicopter contract notice that was published in May 2022." That tender document called for the acquisition of up to 44 New Medium Helicopters with a total budget of up to £1.2 billion ($1.5 billion). The MOD added that "the second half of the competition will be launched later [in 2023]."<ref>{{cite web |last=Perry|first=Dominic|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/uk-mod-denies-scaling-back-new-medium-helicopter-buy-despite-airbus-claims/154164.article|title=UK MoD denies scaling back New Medium Helicopter buy despite Airbus claims|website=FlightGlobal|date=18 July 2023|access-date=23 October 2023}}</ref>In February 2024, defence industry sources again indicated that the expected order size would be reduced, potentially to 25-35 aircraft, with the MOD declining to comment on the exact figure.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=Martin |first=Tim |date=2024-05-01 |title=UK New Medium Helicopter buy reduced to around 30 aircraft: Spirit AeroSystems Exec |url=https://breakingdefense.sites.breakingmedia.com/2024/05/uk-new-medium-helicopter-buy-reduced-to-around-30-aircraft-spirit-aerosystems-exec/ |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=Breaking Defense |language=en-US}}</ref> [[File:RAF H145 Jupiter Helicopter MOD 45166205.jpg|thumb|H145 Jupiter which will replace the Puma HC2 in Cyprus and Brunei]] |
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Bidding was opened for the programme as the [[Invitation to negotiate|Invitation to Negotiate]] phase was launched in February 2024. Three manufacturers, Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and Lockheed Martin are expected to submit bids which will be reviewed during 2025 when a contract is also expected to be awarded.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 February 2024 |title=Future UK military helicopter reaches next competition stage |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/future-uk-military-helicopter-reaches-next-competition-stage |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=GOV.UK |publisher=Ministry of Defence |language=en}}</ref> |
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Moreover The Ministry of Defence (MoD) published a transparency notice of the intended procurement to acquire six [[Eurocopter EC145|Airbus H145M]] helicopters for Cyprus and Brunei missions. Known as Jupiter HC2 (Helicopter Cargo 2) in UK military service, the helicopters are to be delivered from 2024 along with three years of support for an estimated GBP140 million (USD172 million). The MoD already operates the H145 in the trainer configuration, with seven Jupiter HT1 (Helicopter Training 1) aircraft in use with the UK Military Flight Training System. For the Cyprus mission, the Jupiter HC2s will replace the Airbus Puma HC2s that are now performing search-and-rescue and support duties at Royal Air Force (RAF) Akrotiri as an interim measure following the recent retirement of the [[Bell 412]]s. For the Brunei mission, the Jupiter HC2s will also replace Puma HC2s that are now supporting the British Army's training mission following the recent retirement of the Bell 212s.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/defence/latest/uk-to-acquire-h145-helicopters-for-cyprus-brunei-missions | title=UK to acquire H145 helicopters for Cyprus, Brunei missions }}</ref><ref name=":5">{{cite web | url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/uk-mod-to-buy-six-h145s-in-fresh-blow-to-nmh-plans/155777.article | title=UK MoD to buy six H145s in fresh blow to NMH plans }}</ref> |
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Separately from the NMH programme, the MOD published a transparency notice in November 2023 indicating its intention to acquire six [[Eurocopter EC145|Airbus H145M]] helicopters for use in [[Akrotiri and Dhekelia|Cyprus]] and [[Brunei]], to replace the Puma HC2 currently in use.<ref>{{cite web |title=UK to acquire H145 helicopters for Cyprus, Brunei missions |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/defence/latest/uk-to-acquire-h145-helicopters-for-cyprus-brunei-missions}}</ref> The order was confirmed in April 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-04-19 |title=UK Ministry of Defence orders more H145 helicopters |url=https://www.airbus.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-04-uk-ministry-of-defence-orders-more-h145-helicopters |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Airbus |language=en}}</ref> |
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In early 2024, bidding was opened for the program, which will be for about 44 medium lift helicopters with an expected contract by the next year. There is expected to be three major bids: Boeing and Airbus are teaming up to offer the H175M, Leonardo the AW149, and Sikorsky's S-70 (the UH-60 Black Hawk). The helicopters are expected to replace Puma, Huey, Dauphin helicopters, and expected to fill five specific roles on military and humanitarian mission. In addition, a local or near local production line is also anticipated.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Losey |first=Stephen |date=2024-02-27 |title=UK opens bidding for new helicopter, to award contract in 2025 |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/02/27/uk-opens-bidding-for-new-helicopter-to-award-contract-in-2025/ |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref> The Huey's have already been retired now or planned for replacement by Jupiter (Airbus H145).<ref name=":5" /> |
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In early 2024, the size of the order was said to be on the lower end, possibly 25-35 depending on the budget and contract.<ref name=":4" /> This was based on a comment by business person working on the contract, said that the order was for 30, however the U.K. Ministry of Defense did not comment on the actual number.<ref name=":4" /> |
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== Contenders == |
== Contenders == |
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As of November 2022, there was four aircraft had been offered by their respective manufacturers to meet the anticipated requirement.<ref name="flightglobal1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/four-firms-to-fight-for-uks-new-medium-helicopter-requirement/150779.article|title=Four firms to fight for UK's New Medium Helicopter requirement|first=Dominic|last=Perry |date=2022-11-01 |website=Flight Global}}</ref><ref name="downselects">{{Cite news |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |title=UK downselects New Medium Helicopter contenders |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uk-downselects-new-medium-helicopter-contenders |website=Janes.com |date=2022-11-02 |accessdate=2022-12-04}}</ref> As of 2024, at the start of bidding it is thought there is three main NMH contenders: the H175M, AW149, and S-70/H-60.<ref name=":2" /> |
As of November 2022, there was four aircraft had been offered by their respective manufacturers to meet the anticipated requirement.<ref name="flightglobal1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/four-firms-to-fight-for-uks-new-medium-helicopter-requirement/150779.article|title=Four firms to fight for UK's New Medium Helicopter requirement|first=Dominic|last=Perry |date=2022-11-01 |website=Flight Global}}</ref><ref name="downselects">{{Cite news |last=Jennings |first=Gareth |title=UK downselects New Medium Helicopter contenders |url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/uk-downselects-new-medium-helicopter-contenders |website=Janes.com |date=2022-11-02 |accessdate=2022-12-04}}</ref> As of 2024, at the start of bidding it is thought there is three main NMH contenders: the H175M, AW149, and S-70/H-60.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Losey |first=Stephen |date=2024-02-27 |title=UK opens bidding for new helicopter, to award contract in 2025 |url=https://www.defensenews.com/air/2024/02/27/uk-opens-bidding-for-new-helicopter-to-award-contract-in-2025/ |access-date=2024-04-26 |website=Defense News |language=en}}</ref> |
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=== Airbus Helicopters H175M === |
=== Airbus Helicopters H175M === |
New Medium Helicopter | |
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General information | |
Project for | Procurement of a fleet of medium-lift helicopters |
Issued by | UK Ministry of Defence |
Service |
|
Proposals |
|
Requirement | 44 Medium Lift Helicopters final assembly line training & support |
History | |
Initiated | 2021 |
Expected | 2025 |
The New Medium Helicopter (NMH) is a British military programme to procure a new medium-lift support helicopter to replace several existing helicopters operated by the Royal Air Force and British Army. It is expected the new aircraft will enter service during the late-2020s. After early work on specifications and a down select of contenders, bidding was opened in 2024. The requirement is for a production line and 44 medium helicopters planned to accomplish five specific roles. The helicopter is expected to replace Puma, Huey, and Dauphin helicopters in British service.
A main goal is to bolster medium lift capacity, currently supported dwindling numbers of Puma medium helicopters. They entered service in 1968 with 48 being bought, and 24 were upgraded to HC2 standard in the 2010s, and are planned to be service into the late 2020s while the NMH programme is underway. Part way through a transparency notice was issued, that the remaining Huey's are being replaced by Airbus H145 for the time being. In early 2024, there were signs the order could be as little as 30 aircraft, but the MoD did not comment.
In the 1967 there was an Anglo-French coöperation on helicopters which resulted in a fleet of 48 Westland Puma, which were Sud Aviation/Aerospatiale SA330;the first was delivered in 1968 and British production was active by 1970. The Westland Puma HC.1 fleet replaced Westland Whirlwind HC.Mk 10 and served with distinction in Rhodesia, Northern Ireland, Belize, the 1st Gulf War, including Operation Granby, Balkans, and humanitarian relief operations globally. However, in the 21st century its performance was found lacking in "Hot and High" conditions as encountered on Operation Herrick in Afghanistan. In the 2010s 24 were upgraded with more powerful engines, and entered service as the Puma HC.2 starting in 2013. [1] The Puma HC.2 fleet is planned to be supported until at least 2028.[2]
On 22 March 2021, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) published Defence in a Competitive Age, in which it indicated that it would invest in a new medium-lift helicopter during the mid-2020s.[3] The Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, published at the same time, outlined that to maintain cost-effective access to upgrades and support for the helicopter fleet, the MOD's intention was to consolidate existing fleets through their replacement by a new aircraft acquired through the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme.[4] The aircraft to be replaced are the Royal Air Force's twenty-three Westland Puma HC2 and three Bell 412 Griffin; and the British Army's three Bell 212 and six Airbus AS365 Dauphin.[5][6] In 2022, the MOD said up to 44 aircraft would be purchased.[7]
Despite the MOD at the time having yet to release a formal requirement, Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Sikorsky (part of Lockheed Martin) all displayed their proposals to meet the NMH requirement at the DSEI 2021 defence exhibition in September 2021.[5]
In October 2021, the MOD indicated that no final decision had been taken on the method of procurement, but that the expectation was that it will be subject to a competition.[8] A prior information notice was published by the MOD on 11 November 2021, which outlined the scope of the project and the intention to carry out early engagement with potential suppliers. The MOD indicated that it anticipated 36 to 44 new helicopters would be procured, as well as two cockpit flight simulators and one cabin simulator.[9] At this stage the estimated cost of the contract was £1 billion and it was anticipated to run from October 2023 until October 2028.[10]
The MOD published a contract notice on 18 May 2022, officially commencing the competition and confirming the intention to acquire up to 44 aircraft. The contact would also include air and ground crew training as well as in-service technical support and maintenance. The contract would now be worth between £900 million and £1.2 billion. Although no contract start date was indicated, it is specified as running for seven years from the date of award. Invitations to tender were expected to be issued by the MOD by 30 September 2022.[11]
In July 2023, the defence media reported that the number of aircraft to be acquired had been reduced to a maximum of 35.[12] However, the MOD denied it had reduced the quantity under consideration, stating "There has been no change to the advertised requirement in the New Medium Helicopter contract notice that was published in May 2022." That tender document called for the acquisition of up to 44 New Medium Helicopters with a total budget of up to £1.2 billion ($1.5 billion). The MOD added that "the second half of the competition will be launched later [in 2023]."[13] In February 2024, defence industry sources again indicated that the expected order size would be reduced, potentially to 25-35 aircraft, with the MOD declining to comment on the exact figure.[14]
Bidding was opened for the programme as the Invitation to Negotiate phase was launched in February 2024. Three manufacturers, Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and Lockheed Martin are expected to submit bids which will be reviewed during 2025 when a contract is also expected to be awarded.[15]
Separately from the NMH programme, the MOD published a transparency notice in November 2023 indicating its intention to acquire six Airbus H145M helicopters for use in Cyprus and Brunei, to replace the Puma HC2 currently in use.[16] The order was confirmed in April 2024.[17]
As of November 2022, there was four aircraft had been offered by their respective manufacturers to meet the anticipated requirement.[18][19] As of 2024, at the start of bidding it is thought there is three main NMH contenders: the H175M, AW149, and S-70/H-60.[20]
European multinational company Airbus Helicopters – "a military version of the H175, designated as the H175M"[21][22] Boeing has partnered with Airbus on H175M task force.[23]
Italian based manufacturer Leonardo (with its Anglo-Italian AugustaWestland helicopter subsidary) intends on offering the AW149. It is currently operated by the Royal Thai Army and Egyptian Navy. Leonardo has indicated that it would assemble the AW149 at a new assembly-line at its Yeovil facility in Somerset, England.[24] Leonardo's 31 March 2022 press release confirmed that Yeovil will act as a 'final assembly facility' due to Italy's investment in their main AW189/AW149 production line in Brindisi, Italy.[25] In July 2022 Poland ordered 32 AW149 helicopters with production at Leonardo's PZL Świdnik factory. The contract has a value of $1.85 billion (€1.76 billion).[26][27][28][29][30]
Sikorsky highlighted that the Black Hawk was designed as a military helicopter, rather than being a military version of a civilian airframe and that it was combat proven.[22] Entering service in 1979, the Black Hawk is operated by 29 countries, including by the US military which had over 2,000 examples across a range of variants.[31] Sikorsky selected StandardAero for final assembly in England of the helicopter's should it be the winner.[32]
Company | Model | Passengers | MTOW (kg) | Range (km) | Max speed (kn) | Cruise speed (kn) | First flight year | Flight hours | Length(m) | Width (m) | Height (m) | Production site | Min. op temp (°C) | Max op. temp (°C) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Aérospatiale | Puma HC2[33] | 16 | 7,400 | 550 | 167 | 134 | 1965 | 30,000+[34] | 18.2 | 3.5 | 5.14 | Hayes, Middlesex[35] | -30 | +40 |
Airbus Helicopters | H175M[36] | 18 | 7,800 | 1,083 | 175+ | 160+ | 2009[37][38] | 145,000+[39] | 18.06[40] | 3.35[41] | 5.34 | Airbus Broughton | -40 | +50 |
Leonardo Helicopters | AW149[42] | 19 | 8,000 | 849 [43] | 170 | 155 | 2009[44][45] | unknown | 17.57 | 3.02[46] | 5.07 | Yeovil/Westland Airport | -40 | +55 |
Boeing Rotorcraft Systems | MH-139 Grey Wolf | 15 | 6,500 | 1,300 | 167 | 135 | 2001 | 2,000,000+[47] | 16.66 | 2.26 | 4.98 | PZL-Świdnik | -40 | +55 |
Sikorsky Aircraft | S-70M | 11 | 9,979 | 460 | 195 | 160 | 1974 | 14,000,000+ | 19.76 | 4.37 | 5.33 | StandardAero Gosport | -40 | +55 |
It was thought the American company Boeing might offer the MH-139 Grey Wolf (based on the Leonard AW-139) for the UK New Medium Helicopter (NMH) requirements, which was the winner in 2018 of a US Air Force competition to replace the Vietnam-era Bell UH-1N helicopters. However, Boeing did not confirm this though it acknowledged it was the only helicopter in its portfolio that could meat the UK specs.[52][19][18] In 2023 Airbus welcomed Boeing to their H175M task force.[23] As of 2024 at start of bidding, it is reported that Boeing is partnering with Airbus on the H175M.[20]
The Ministry of Defence is looking to buy up to 44 New Medium Helicopters (NMH) to replace existing helicopters.
According to the notification, the requirement will cover between 36 and 44 aircraft, as well as two cockpit and one cabin simulator...
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The Royal Air Force (RAF) Puma helicopter fleet has achieved 30,000 flying hours since the Puma 2 helicopter came into service in 2015.
the SNIAS/Westland Puma HC.1 accounted for 40 aircraft XW198-237, all were built at Hayes with deliveries commencing with XW198 and 199 on 29/1/71.
Eurocopter expects a minimum of 800 orders over a 20-year period for the EC175. The helicopter completed its first flight on 4 December, meeting a target to fly by the end 2009 that was established at the outset of four-year-old programme.
EC175's first flight on December 4th, 2009
More than 145,000 flight hours have been logged by the H175 fleet in such operations as...
The AgustaWestland AW149 multirole military variant of the AW139 medium twin helicopter completed its first flight on November 13, a day after the AW159 Lynx Wildcat updated Lynx for the British military flew.
AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the first prototype of the AW149 multi-role military medium twin helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight on November 13th at AgustaWestland's Vergiate plant.