NH90 Demonstrates Full Fly-By-Wire

NH90 prototype No. 3 (PT3) flew successfully using full Fly-by-Wire (FBW) control for the first time without mechanical back-up on December 12 at Marignane, France. PT3 is the first NH90 in full FBW configuration representative of serial production aircraft. Prototypes 2, 3, 4, and 5 were all built with mixed system, FBW controls at the pilot's station and mechanical back-up controls for the on the co-pilot. Plans call for PT3 and PT4 will be dedicated to FBW system qualification. 

Canada Requests Maritime Helicopter Proposals

The Canadian Department of National Defense has released a Request for Proposals for 28 "fully integrated" maritime helicopters to replace the CH124 Sea Kings aboard Canadian Forces ships. The Maritime Helicopter Project includes a simulation and training suite, integrated logistic support, ship modifications, and a 20-year support contract. The Request for Proposals will close on April 30, 2004, and the winning bid will be announced in Summer 2004. First aircraft delivery is expected around 2009 for initial Operational Capability with 12 helicopters around 2010.

In 1992, Canada announced a combined procurement of 50 New Search-and-Rescue Helicopters and New Shipboard Aircraft based on the EH Industries EH101. Canadian politics nevertheless stalled and separated the two programs. The Canadian Forces ultimately received 15 EH101 (now CH-149 Cormorant) Search and Rescue helicopters between October 2001 and July 2003. Canada's 1994 Defence White Paper called for the Sea King replacement by the end of the decade. The current Maritime Helicopter competition pits the EH101 and systems integrator Boeing against the Sikorsky H-92 and General Dynamics Canada. A team of NH Industries with the NH90 and Lockheed Martin Canada was deemed non-compliant and not invited to tender an offer.

The separate Maritime Helicopter Project was announced by the Canadian Government on 17 August 2000. Total buying-year cost of the program is estimated at Can$3,094 million.  

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