In focus: UK New Medium Helicopter programme down to one bidder
The Airbus H175, formerly a contender to become the UK’s New Medium Helicopter. (Photo: Airbus/Lloyd Horgan)
The end of the long procurement process could be in sight as both Airbus and Sikorsky pull out over bid criteria.
The UK’s Ministry of Defence has been left with only one option for its New Medium Helicopter programme, after defence giants Airbus and Sikorsky pulled out of contention just before the deadline for the submission of bids.
Leonardo remains as last contractor standing in the race to deliver the New Medium Helicopter, the UK’s new go-to for the majority of its defence helicopter action.
Leonardo had put its AW149 design up against Sikorsky’s Black Hawk and Airbus’ H175M.
While the AW149 has been used with some success in countries such as Poland and Egypt, the pulling out of the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![Saab partners with Helsing to get AI on Gripen E aircraft]()
Saab partners with Helsing to get AI on Gripen E aircraft
Titled ‘Project Beyond’ the AI systems provided by the partnership will work to enhance the Gripen E fighter’s capabilities, automating other tasks and allowing fighter pilots to focus on accomplishing their missions.
-
![Second tranche of UAVs for Replicator programme announced]()
Second tranche of UAVs for Replicator programme announced
The capabilities of the selected systems add to those in the first tranche announced earlier this year by the US Department of Defense.
-
![“We need GCAP” to face evolving threats says RAF chief]()
“We need GCAP” to face evolving threats says RAF chief
The UK Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) chief of the air staff discussed the current state of the RAF and its need to be “match fit” for a changing warfare threat.
-
![UAE receives first additional A330 MRTT]()
UAE receives first additional A330 MRTT
The arrival of this aircraft boosts the UAE’s fleet of tankers up to four, following its order for an additional two aircraft in 2021.
-
![Gray Eagle UAS makes first ship-to-shore journey]()
Gray Eagle UAS makes first ship-to-shore journey
The Gray Eagle short take-off and landing (STOL) UAS has a different engine, wings, control surfaces and landing gear to earlier Gray Eagles, and is a production variant of the demonstrator Mojave UAS.
