Four bidders seen to join DND CAS aircraft acquisition project

From AngMalaya (Jul 29): Four bidders seen to join DND CAS aircraft acquisition project

In light of Department of National Defense close-air support (CAS) aircraft acquisition project, the DND Bidding and Awards Committee headed by USec Fernando I. Manalo releases supplemental bid bulletin answering questions from possible bidders.

From the said file DND-BAC clarified that six close-air support aircraft must have self sealing fuel cells. “During aircraft operations, the resulting damage from enemy ground fire is hardly noticeable. Self sealing fuel cells will ensure that the fuel loss is averted without any pilot’s corrective action.”

Moreover, “The aircraft must have radar warning receiver (RWR), missile alert warning system (MAWS) and chaffs and flares” to ensure pilot and aircraft survivability.

It was also learned that EADS-CASA, Beechcraft, Embraer, KAI, Elbit Systems, and IOMAX are interested to bid for the said project.

The DND-BAC could see T-6 Texan II from Beechcraft, Super Tucano from Embraer, L-39 from Elbit Systems, and KT-1 Woongbi from KAI in the bidding process. IOMAX with its Archangel, and EADS-CASA with PZL-130 Orlik ACS might not pursue with the bidding.

Bid opening for the CAS aircraft project is set on August 11.

Philippine Air Force will replace or complement its Rockwell OV-10 “Bronco” turboprop attack planes with the upcoming six brand new CAS aircraft. These aircraft are designed to provide air support to infantry and naval units in contact with the enemy.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/07/29/2663-four-bidders-seen-to-join-dnd-cas-aircraft-acquisition-project