Airbus wins UK MFTS Helicopter Competition

[Dave Fleming]

They will now provide H135s and H145s for Ascent.

http://www.airbushelicopters.com/website/en/press/Airbus-Helicopters-Selected-for-UK%E2%80%99s-Military-Flying-Training_1966.html

Now, how much different are H135s and H145s from the Revell EC135 and EC145 kits......

[Truro Model Builder]

Very little, I imagine.

[Caution Wake Turbulence]

I think H145 is the new name for the EC145 T2, which is the updated version with the fenestron tail rotor. The current Revell kit represents the old version with the conventional tail rotor, but Revell are planning to release the H145M version later in the year (in 1/32).

Andrew

[Julien]

I think it is a stretch too far calling the Gazelle an Airbus product. The same as calling a P-51 a Boeing product. They might now own the rights to the name but thats about it!

[tonyot]

I see that there are a lot of British names on that contact list,......nothing like supporting British Business eh,.....not!

[MikeC]

Quite probably had to be done under the EU Public Procurement Directive, which means bids have to be invited EU-wide, and the "lowest cost" or "most economically advantageous" selected, regardless of nationality. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Government_procurement_in_the_European_Union

Edit: that is given as a likely procurement route, but not intended to provoke a descent into discussions of a certain forthcoming referendum.

Edited May 24, 2016 by MikeC

[Scarlet]

I'll miss the Squirrels and Griffins flying low over our house. I'm not sure these new choppers will have the same impact as a Griffin at 50ft.

[Truro Model Builder]

There were a pair of DHFS Squirrels low over Truro this morning. But I still miss seeing Gazelles from Culdrose, let alone Squirrels -though I don't consider either to be Airbus products.

According to PPRuNe, 29 H135s and three H145s are in the frame.

[Scarlet]

According to PPRuNe, 29 H135s and three H145s are in the frame.

Three airframes less than they currently have. (29 Squirrel/6 Griffin).

[speedy]

Well I work there and we had a work stop briefing on Friday at 11am with a prepared statement being read at each site at the same time. Cobham has a contract that runs to 31 March 2018, but to those on the shop floor it wasn't a surprise although management are disappointed. We don't know if it's a cull or work clothing change with courses on the new type.......

Edited May 25, 2016 by speedy

[Truro Model Builder]

I stand to be corrected, but I think only RAF pilots used to take the Griffin part of the course, so I imagine with the RAF now flying fewer helicopters there won't be as many RAF pilots going through DHFS. And I have read that SARTU at Valley has now become No.202(Reserve) Squadron and is only undertaking conversion for Griffin crews going to No.84 Squadron at Akrotiri. I am wondering if all Griffin training may be relocated to Akrotiri once the new contract is in place. It might make more sense.

[speedy]

There's one Griffin going to Boscombe Down soon for a 2 year loan with us providing spares/maintenance, it will be kept in the weighbridge hangar.

[Gary West]

"new Stuff" just looks so unmilitary - the A330 is like any other commercial airliner, no noise, no smoke the new replacement for King Air (Phenom 100) and now these........ and how will we now tell if its an Essex Police 135 or an RAF one hovering over your house?

[Scarlet]

Well I work there and we had a work stop briefing on Friday at 11am with a prepared statement being read at each site at the same time. Cobham a contract runs to 31 March 2016, but to those on the shop floor it wasn't a surprise although management are disappointed. We don't know if it's a cull or work clothing change with courses on the new type.......

I hope its just a change of work clothing for you Speedy.

[Giorgio N]

"new Stuff" just looks so unmilitary - the A330 is like any other commercial airliner, no noise, no smoke the new replacement for King Air (Phenom 100) and now these........ and how will we now tell if its an Essex Police 135 or an RAF one hovering over your house?

Other tankers before were just like any other commercial airliner, the difference is that they were like old commercial airliners, noisy and smokey

[Seahawk]

Other tankers before were just like any other commercial airliner, the difference is that they were like old commercial airliners, noisy and smokey

Ah, I loved the sound of VC10s in the morning.

[Dave Fleming]

"new Stuff" just looks so unmilitary - the A330 is like any other commercial airliner, no noise, no smoke the new replacement for King Air (Phenom 100) and now these........ and how will we now tell if its an Essex Police 135 or an RAF one hovering over your house?

If no-one smashes in your door, it's an RAF one

[stevej60]

I think it is a stretch too far calling the Gazelle an Airbus product. The same as calling a P-51 a Boeing product. They might now own the rights to the name but thats about it!

My thoughts exactly Julien,nothing like spin to get your message over

[Truro Model Builder]

But the day I see 'BAE Systems Tiger Moth', 'Bombardier Chipmunk' or 'Boeing B-18 Bolo' will be the day I reach for the big heavy stick.

Edited May 26, 2016 by T7 Models