Raytheon Australia has announced it will team with Bell Helicopter to offer the Bell 429 for the ADF’s Project Air 9000 Phase 7 Helicopter Aircrew Training System (HATS) for Army and Navy helicopter trainee pilots.
The 429 is a medium twin engined helicopter with a large cargo area and rear hatch doors under the boom, giving it a secondary utilty capability.
“We at Raytheon Australia have drawn upon all of our experience and expertise gained through delivering helicopter support to the ADF to select Bell Helicopter as our partner for this program,” managing director of Raytheon Australia, Michael Ward, said in a statement. “Bell Helicopter has a well deserved reputation for delivering on their commitments and, as result, I believe that together we are well placed to become trusted partners of the ADF in this vital endeavour in force preparedness.”
Other expected bidders are expected to include Australian Aerospace with the EC 135/635, and Boeing Defence Australia which has previously announced a tie up with AgustaWestland on the A109, but which may bid another type.
