The U.S. Navy has issued a Request for Proposals for a new helicopter to replace its TH-57B/C fleet, which is used for advanced helicopter training for undergraduate pilots. The TH-57 is based on the Bell 206 JetRanger.
The U.S. Navy is looking to buy up to 130 commercial off-the-shelf aircraft through a base contract, and up to four optional orders. Proposals are due on April 2, and a contract award is anticipated in the first quarter of FY20. The service wants to procure aircraft between FY20 and FY24.
The Navy wants an aircraft with a single turbine engine, and the aircraft must be able to achieve Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) certification.
Potential contenders include the Airbus H135, Bell 407GXi, and Leonardo TH-119 (based on the AW119).
Shaun's deep-rooted interest in military equipment continues in his role as a senior defense analyst with a focus on the United States. He played an integral role in the development of Forecast International's U.S. Defense Budget Forecast, an interactive online product that tracks Pentagon acquisition programs throughout the congressional budget process. As editor of International Military Markets – North America, Shaun has cultivated a deep understanding of the vast defense markets in the United States and Canada. He is a regular contributor to Forecast International's Defense & Security Monitor blog and has co-authored white papers on global defense spending and various military programs.
