In his speech at the Army General Hospital in Taguig City, President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday said the government would acquire 23 attack helicopters to boost the country's military capability.
"We have an acquisition pf 23 attack helicopters, which is sufficient to fight against rebellion and other insurgencies," Duterte said.
"So everything we are buying are all new, no more buying second hand equipment in my time. Our AFP, including our police force, we will spend for new equipment and arms,' Duterte added.
With the Flight Plan 2028 of the Philippine Air Force, part of the plan is to acquire 23 to 24 units of armed helicopter, although President Duterte only mentioned 23 units. The total cost of the 23 armed helicopter is Php11.8 billion with the funding to be distributed from 2017 to 2019.
As of August 2017, the Department of Budget and Management already forwarded the final paperworks to Malacanang which is waiting for the final approval.
There are three expected bidder to submit their offer which includes Airbus with H145M, Leonardo with their AW109, and MD Helicopter with their MD901 Explorer.
Airbus H145M Light Armed Helicopter
The H145M is equipped with a modern digital glass cockpit, night vision goggle compatability, and Airbus Helicopters’ advanced Helionix® avionics suite with a 4-axis digital autopilot.
Enhancements include an upgraded transmission system and incorporation of Airbus Helicopters’ signature Fenestron® shrouded tail rotor for improved anti-torque control.
For armed operations, the rotor craft carries a mission computer, two rigid multi-purpose armament pylons that are easily removable, an infrared/TV electro-optical system, and a laser range-finder/designation/pointer. With its open system architecture, this innovative weapon system contributes to full situational awareness for the crew.
Equipped with an incremental modular weapon system, the H145M can handle all types of operational light attack scenarios, from conventional to asymmetric conflicts.
Ballistic and guided weapons compatible with the H145M include 7- and 12-tube rocket launchers, a 20-mm. cannon pod, 12.7-mm machine gun pod and air-to-ground missiles. Growth potential exists for laser-guided rockets.
Leonardo's AW109E Power Helicopter
The AW109 Power light, multi-purpose twin-engine helicopter provides military operators with outstanding mission flexibility to conduct utility support, armed reconnaissance and close air support missions.
High performance, high speed and excellent situational awareness maximise operational success. Operators benefit from high productivity, controllability and manoeuvrability, excellent flying qualities, robustness and inherent safety.
LEADING FEATURES
Hot & High performance provided by either Pratt & Whitney or Turbomeca engines controlled by a Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system.
Single / dual-pilot VFR / IFR low workload integrated glass cockpit with advanced avionics and systems provide excellent situational awareness and maximizes mission effectiveness.
Unobstructed, spacious cabin (3.5 m3 / 124 ft3) allows easy configuration changes to suit operational requirements; wide doors provide exceptional accessibility and rappelling, fast roping; internal weapon mount.
Wide range of mission equipment including multi-band radios, Electro-Optic / Infra-Red (EO/IR) device, searchlight, loudspeakers, rescue hoist and cargo hook.
Retractable wheeled undercarriage for ease of ground handling.
MD Helicopter MD-901 Explorer
The MD 902 Explorer is a multipurpose twin-engine helicopter that sets the standard in performance, affordability, dependability and safety for light and medium-twin engine helicopters. With operators in every market segment – air medical, law enforcement, search and rescue, electronic newsgathering, executive transport, offshore and utility – the MD 902 Explorer couples high performance with low direct operating costs to rise above the rest.
Beyond its sleek aerodynamic lines, the performance parameters of the MD 902 Explorer have been enhanced, enabling greater operating capability at maximum internal weight for hover, speed and maneuverability in all wind directions. With the largest functional cabin the light –twin category, the MD 902 Explorer allows the flexibility to configure the aircraft for a range of specific mission requirements.
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