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Puma HC1
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Back in August 2006, “Britain to Privatize Battlefield Support Helicopters?!?” discussed one of the most unusual public-private proposals we’ve ever seen. The question before the Ministry of Defense was how to replace Britain’s Sea King and Puma HC1 medium helicopters, which entered service during the 1960s and 1970s. Complaints about the lack of battlefield helicopter support are becoming acute in Britain, resulting in temporary fixes like buying 6 operational Danish EH101 helicopters and paying the cost of future replacements.

The longer term roadmap remains uncertain – but a recent announcement by Eurocopter as part of the DESO’s annual DSEi defense show turned out to be path forward, as Britain has just formally abandoned its public-private partnership proposal. The announcement does help to sharpen our understanding re: the likely foci for its Puma modernization, however…

“Eurocopter leads Homeland Security Market in the United Kingdom and strongly supports the British Armed Forces” covers a number of subjects, including this one:

Wear n’ tear
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“Under contract to the UK Ministry of Defence, Eurocopter is carrying out the assessment phase for the life extension programme for the RAF’s fleet of Puma Mk1 helicopters with the aim of enhancing the British Armed Forces’ much-needed medium-lift capability. It is managed by a Eurocopter/Ministry of Defence Joint Project Office, already in operation in Bristol since August 20, 2007. The programme will be based on comprehensive upgrades, including new Turbomeca Makila engines, glass cockpits, and new communications, navigation and defensive systems for up to 35 of the RAF’s Pumas.

The new Pumas, which will be designated Puma HC Mk2, will consequently be capable of remaining in service until around 2022. Their performance and payload will be significantly enhanced, particularly in hot and high conditions. As the backbone of the RAF’s fleet of medium-lift helicopters, the Pumas will continue to play a vital role in operational theatres such as Iraq and Afghanistan.”

UPDATES:

Nov 22/07: Britain formally withdraws the public-private partnership proposal for battlefield support helicopters [PDF format]. This paragraph from the EDA bulletin board solicitation may offer some clarity re: likely foci for future Puma upgrades and support measures, however:

“The primary task is Battlefield Lift, with the contractor being expected to provide, install, modify and certify the aircraft with necessary role equipment, including a Defensive Aids System, Ballistic Protection and Military Communications before the operational ISD and then (at the end of the lease period) remove such modifications. The aircraft will also be expected to undertake medical evacuation and communication support duties overseas and in the UK. The aircraft will need to be capable of single pilot IFR operations including within civil controlled airspace, and be fully compatible with UK Night Vision Goggles. The aircraft will be operated by military crews in accordance with JSP550. Prior to the In-Service Date and during the life of the requirement the contractor shall be responsible for Aircrew Conversion to Type training, familiarisation training for surveillance operators and training of the Authority’s maintainers.”

Sept 27/07: Eurocopter and the UK MoD formally opened a Joint Project Office (JPO) to manage the Puma life extension program, located adjacent to MOD Abbey Wood in Bristol. The JPO is staffed by personnel from Eurocopter and the MoD’s Defence Equipment and Support organization. Subject to satisfactory completion and approval, will move on to manage the Development and Manufacture phase in 2008.

The JPO will also manage the Puma and Gazelle Through-Life Support (TLS) program. EADS release.

Additional Readings

• RAF – Puma HC1