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BLACK HAWK WINS IN AUSTRIA

If any additional proof had been needed, the avalanche disaster which hit Galtür in February 1999 brought home only too clearly the limits of the Austrian Federal Army's helicopter fleet. Without military assistance from abroad, the rescue operation would have been impossible. This catastrophe finally spurred the Vienna government into pressing ahead with the procurement of new, larger transport helicopters.

The American Sikorsky UH-60L was officially announced the winner of the competition on 6 October. Within the Federal Army, however, the news was no surprise as it had been clear for some time that the Black Hawk fitted the requirement best, both on technical and also on military grounds. In the evaluation of the rival bids, the US helicopter had gained a lead of 100 out of a total of 1000 possible points over the Eurocopter Cougar, making it the clear favourite.

It should be noted here that only the smaller Cougar Mk.I could be included in the comparison, as the newer Cougar Mk.II is not currently offered with an anti-icing system that will guarantee unrestricted operational capability in high mountains - a minimum requirement for the Austrian Federal Army.

On transport capacity, there is little to choose between the two helicopters. The critical advantages of the Black Hawk in Austria's view included its greater flexibility allowing easier adaptation to different mission requirements and the weapons options available on this model. Its survivability, including safety in the event of a crash landing, was also very highly rated. These factors are crucial in peacekeeping and peace support operations.

Another perceived benefit of the UH-60L was its performance reserves, which are essential for operations in mountainous regions. Other points in its favour were its lower operating costs compared with the Cougar and its significantly lower maintenance requirements, enabling personnel reductions and other cost savings. The relatively higher price tag of the Black Hawk compared with the Cougar will be more than offset over its service life.

Key technical points on which the Cougar performed less well included the lack of an APU, the fact that the auxiliary tank is housed in the cabin and its clearly inferior ability to land on an incline.

Financial considerations also worked in favour of the US solution. Compared with the rival bid from Eurocopter, which also included offsets to the value of 200% of the purchase price, access to the American market not only gives Austrian industry the opportunity to become active players in a wide spectrum of fields, but is also expected to produce more technological benefits. Altogether 14 Austrian companies will become direct suppliers to Sikorsky, and there is also the possibility of participating in the new RAH-66 Comanche attack helicopter and the S-92 programmes.

Of course, political factors always play an important role in military procurement decisions, and in this case these worked to Eurocopter's disadvantage After all, France had played a leading role in the imposition of sanctions on Austria by the EU. It would have been extremely difficult for Defence Minister Herbert Scheibner to have justified the selection of a French helicopter to the Austrian public.

Initially, nine Black Hawks are to be purchased. The announced price is 2.9 billion schillings (euro 210,750,000). Sikorsky has committed itself to purchase goods and services worth 5.8 billion schillings (euro 421,500,000) from Austria by way of industrial offsets. Eurocopter's tendered price was just under 2.5 billion schillings (euro 181,680,000).

The first UH-60L's could be delivered to Austria twenty weeks after the signing of contracts, which is expected to take place in December, i.e. around the middle of next year. They are envisaged as a replacement for the Agusta Bell AB.204B's which have been in service with the Austrian army since 1964 and have reached the end of their useful life. These are to be disposed of.

The Black Hawks will be stationed in Langenlebarn, Lower Austria, with 1. Squadron/Flight Regiment 1. The Agusta Bell AB.212's currently deployed there will be relocated to Linz, Hörsching. As well as performing military and civilian transport tasks within Austria, the Black Hawk will also be deployed on international peacekeeping and peace support operations.

From page 74 of FLUG REVUE 12/2000