Jordan: Launch Customer for AH-6i ARH Helicopter?
May 18, 2010 13:18 UTC by Defense Industry Daily staff
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In October 2008, Boeing updated its AH-6J “Little Bird” Special Forces attack helicopter to create the AH-6i, an armed reconnaissance helicopter that seemed positioned to compete for Iraq’s ARH requirement. At the time, Boeing Rotorcraft Business Development director Dave Palm added that Boeing had been approached by several customers who needed a light helicopter/ARH solution. The AH-6 features a modern Electro-Optical day/night surveillance and targeting system, as well as twin mounts that can each carry options including 2 Hellfire missiles, the 7seven-shot M260 70mm rocket pod, or gun pods that integrate with its targeting system; plus a communications package.
Iraq later chose the Bell 407, and other manufacturers are entering this market segment after many years of neglect. First flight of the AH-6i came in September 2009, and in May 2010, Jane’s reported that Jordan had signed on as the AH-6i’s launch customer…
Contracts and Key Events
Feb 13/12: A Rotor & Wing report says that:
“Tilton can also see further military riches on the horizon as Boeing pushes the AH-6i into the world market as a mini-Apache “with attitude.” There is a first order of 24 aircraft with more to follow.”
The same day, Boeing officials say that Saudi Arabia has signed a preliminary LoA, but that’s for 36 helicopters, and isn’t a final order yet. Jordan is the other country publicly mentioned in conjunction with the AH-6i, and the 24-helicopter order she’s referencing could be Jordanian. It isn’t clear at this point.
March 13/11: MD Helicopters, Inc. announces [PDF] “significant” progress on a contract to collaborate on the production of the Boeing AH-6i Light Attack/Reconnaissance Helicopter for the worldwide market. Consistent with the Memorandum of Agreement signed in July, 2010, both companies are now finalizing a Long Term Requirements Contract for the Boeing AH-6i.
May 11/10: Jordan’s government signs a letter of intent to acquire the AH-6i light attack/reconnaissance helicopter, which builds on its experience with earlier “Little Bird” variants. Major General Habashneh, who signed on Jordan’s behalf, emphasized that negotiations were only just beginning.
The AH-6is appear to be slotted into a border security role, with a secondary role as lead-ins and supplements to whatever design is selected to replace Jordan’s AH-1 Cobra attack/scout helicopters. Jane’s | Shephard Group.
