It seems the Lockheed Martin Sikorsky S-92A+ and Bell’s B 525 are set to compete with Italy’s Leonardo AW-101 and the European Airbus Helicopters H225M
17 years after the deployment of three VH-92 presidential helicopters in 2007, the military authorities are set to embark on the inauguration of a successive helicopter.
The previous VH-92 model was a product of Lockheed Martin Sikorsky, also used by the maritime police for search and rescue.
In the summer of 2004, the S-92 was selected, and three units were acquired in 2007 as VH-92.
According to the defense industry, the replacement helicopter introduction project is set to begin in 2025 and proceed with a target of 2030. The goal is to purchase three units for a total cost of approximately $660 million.
Currently, the models vying for selection in this project include Lockheed Martin Sikorsky’s S-92A+, Bell’s B 525, Leonardo’s AW-101, and Airbus Helicopters’ H225M.
The S-92A+ model is essentially the same aircraft as the VH-92 currently in use by our Air Force but is an improved version with modifications to avionics and engines. The S-92A+, a 22-seater, has a well-known and proven performance, which is a plus.
The S-92A+ model is also being prepared for delivery as it has been chosen as the U.S. presidential helicopter.
The B 525 is Bell’s latest medium-large civil transport helicopter, receiving attention in the VIP helicopter market. It’s a superior model capable of carrying 20 passengers, with a range of 621 miles and a flight time of 4-5 hours.
Leonardo’s AW-101, a helicopter that lost to the S-92 in 2004, is re-challenging and attracting attention.
With a maximum seating capacity of 30, it is the largest helicopter among the candidate models. It is widely used as a military transport helicopter in the UK, NATO, and Japan.
Airbus Helicopters’ H225M, well-known as the Super Cougar or Caracal, is the largest helicopter with 19 seats, derived from the Surion transport helicopter made through technological cooperation.
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The Caracal is receiving attention in the Middle East and Asian markets as a combat search and rescue helicopter (CSAR) of the French Army.
Of the four candidate models, the B 525, which first appeared in 2015, is the most recent model. The H225M is known to be the model most preferred by the Air Force, which deploys pilots and other personnel.
The Air Force has experience using three Super Puma helicopters from Aerospatiale, the predecessor of Airbus Helicopters, from 1988 until 1999.
The decommissioned Super Puma is currently used as a VIP helicopter for the Chief of Staff and others in the Air Force’s Search and Rescue Squadron. It has been flown since 1988, during President Roh Tae Woo’s era.
The Search and Rescue Squadron also has three Bell 412SP models, which were introduced as presidential helicopters in 1982.
The Bell 412SP helicopter has been in service for 42 years and is now used to train Air Force helicopter pilots. However, this old model is set to retire this year. The Bell 412SP helicopter was primarily used as a VIP helicopter during the presidency of Chun Doo Hwan from 1982 to 1987.
Unlike the Army and Navy, which have introduced new training helicopters to replace old ones, the Air Force maintains its old aircraft. Five years ago, there was an attempt to replace the Bell 412SP helicopters with three Surion transport helicopters, but the plan was temporarily canceled due to budget allocation difficulties.
The Air Force can receive the decommissioned VH-92 if a new presidential helicopter is introduced. If so, the Bell 412SP is expected to be retired.
Meanwhile, the F-4E Phantom fighter jet, which is retiring on June 7, will disappear into the annals of history after completing 45 years of service.
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