Australian military favors Sikorsky

CANBERRA, Australia, Oct. 23 (UPI) -- Australian military chiefs are pressing for the Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopter over its European rival, the NH90 built by EADS, according to a classified document.

Their decisions are outlined in a classified submission to Defense Minister John Faulkner and Minister for Defense Personnel, Materiel and Science Minister Greg Combet, a detailed report in The Australian newspaper said.

The Sikorsky is a cheaper, risk-free option for Australia instead of the EADS naval frigate helicopter in the country's planned $3.7 billion naval combat helicopter purchase.

The NH90 is a maritime version of the MRH90 now entering service with the Australian army. Its maker, European defense giant EADS, has established a strong industry presence locally with a workforce of 1,000.

Because of EADS's multimillion-dollar investment and local research capability, the government of Kevin Rudd is concerned by the military's open preference.

Rudd's Labor government has often stated it is looking to develop military manufacturing within the country and would look favorably on projects with strong Australian research and design.

Another concern is that selecting a new U.S. helicopter will fly in the face of Department of Defense's goal of reducing the types of helicopters flown by the Australian Defense Force, The Australian reported.

Combet, however, said the government will still consider both U.S. and European options despite the stated preference by the military.

The cockpit of the Seahawk is designed and supplied by the Owego Helo Systems division of Lockheed Martin Systems Integration in Owego, N.Y.

The fully integrated glass cockpit is equipped with four 8-inch-by-10-inch full-color multifunction mission and flight displays that are night-vision-goggle compatible and sunlight readable. The pilots and aircrew have common programmable key sets, a mass memory unit, mission and flight management computers and MH-60R dedicated operational software.

The navigation suite includes a Northrop Grumman (Litton) LN-100G dual embedded global positioning system and inertial navigation system. Telephonics Corp. supplies the communication management system.

The helicopter is also equipped with a fully digital communications suite, with Link 16, ARC-210 radios for voice, UHF/VHF and satellite communications and a Harris Hawklink Ku-band datalink.

At a media briefing in Australia both Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin officials reiterated that the MH-60R represents the lowest possible risk as well as lowest cost solution for the navy.

The two companies have also promised to invest upward of $1 billion in local industry if the deal goes through.

EADS's subsidiary Australian Aerospace supplies the army's Tiger helicopters and so argues that purchasing the NH90 would save money by removing the need for multiple training and logistics systems.