PHL attack choppers to be equipped with 'night fighting systems'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30): PHL attack choppers to be equipped with 'night fighting systems'

In an effort to make the eight attack helicopters more capable especially during nighttime operations, the Dept. of National Defense bidding and awards committee announced these aircraft will be fitted with "night fighting systems."

The latter equipment, either electro-optical or infra red system, are used by air crews in detecting or spotting targets at night time.

The DND also added that these attack helicopters must be capable of flying at speeds of 120 knots (around 138 miles per hour) while carrying a 2,000 payload.

It must be able to cruise for two and half hours and should be multi-engine in type.

Earlier, four international helicopter manufacturers have participated in the pre-bid conference of the DND's attack helicopter program.

These firms are the Boeing Company, Eurocopter Group,AgustaWestland NV and MD Helicopters, Inc.

All four aerospace companies have acquired the required bidding documents.

The DND attack helicopter program has a budget of P3,441,460,000 and will be sourced from the General Appropriations Act and the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund of 2000.

The helicopters must have full night operation capability and complete weapon systems aside from integrated logistics support package.

"These helicopters shall be capable of performing close air support during day and night, and navigate safely during inadvertent instrument meteorological condition. Furthermore, they shall be equipped with armaments and avionics system highly suitable for said flying operation conditions. The guiding principles for this project shall be based on affordability and sustainability while conforming to the requirements of our Air Force in furtherance of accomplishing its mission," documents obtained by the PNA disclosed.

Bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project

"Delivery of the goods is required within a period of 540 calendar days from the opening of the letter of credit. Bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project," the documents stated.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=549449