upnorth Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 How the Czech military will replace their Russian built Hip and Hind helicopter fleets is a decision that's been in the works for some time now. Today, a decision was made. A mixed fleet of Bell Venom and Viper helicopters was chosen over Sikorsky Blackhawks and is expected to enter service in 2023. Honestly, I'm not sure how to feel about it. There's lot of understandable pressure from NATO for the former Warsaw Pact members to divest themselves of their remaining Russian made gear. However, when I see how physically big the Hips and Hinds are compared to the Venom and Viper I can't help feel that it's a bit of "trading down" especially when one looks at how much a Hip can haul around. Personally, I would have liked to see Chinooks and Apaches; but they were never on the table. At any rate, here's a few articles on the deal if you're interested: https://www.info.cz/czech-news/czech-military-to-acquire-u-s-attack-utility-helicopters-42691.html https://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKCN1VC1BI https://www.defence24.com/armed-forces/air-force/czech-republic-will-acquire-new-helicopters-more-than-it-was-initially-planned 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan B Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 Downsizing while upgrading! Duncan B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jure Miljevic Posted August 22, 2019 Share Posted August 22, 2019 Nihil novi sub sole, unfortunately. Just remember how in Poland Mi-14 had been replaced with Super Sea Sprite. Cheers Jure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EwenS Posted August 23, 2019 Share Posted August 23, 2019 My understanding was that the Mil Mi-14 was a land based anti submarine helicopter and Poland still operates them in both SAR and ASW roles. It acquired some (4?) SH-2G Super Seasprites in the early naughties to operate off the 2 Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates they acquired from the USA. In April/May this year it was announced that they had signed up for 4 Leonardo EH-101. It seems unclear if they are to replace the SH-2G or the Mi-14 as sources seem to vary about the plans. I would have thought the latter more likely. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jure Miljevic Posted August 23, 2019 Share Posted August 23, 2019 Live and learn I did not know it. Thank you for your correction, EwenS. Cheers Jure Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junglierating Posted August 27, 2019 Share Posted August 27, 2019 On 8/23/2019 at 7:16 AM, EwenS said: My understanding was that the Mil Mi-14 was a land based anti submarine helicopter and Poland still operates them in both SAR and ASW roles. It acquired some (4?) SH-2G Super Seasprites in the early naughties to operate off the 2 Oliver Hazard Perry class frigates they acquired from the USA. In April/May this year it was announced that they had signed up for 4 Leonardo EH-101. It seems unclear if they are to replace the SH-2G or the Mi-14 as sources seem to vary about the plans. I would have thought the latter more likely. Options on another 4 merlins also 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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