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June 29/11: The US DSCA announces [PDF] Iraq’s formal request to buy follow-on support and maintenance for “multiple aircraft systems” that include its Cessna TC-208 trainers and armed AC-208s, Cessna 172s; and HawkerBeechcraft’s T-6A advanced trainers and King Air 350ER twin-engine light transports and surveillance planes.
This set encompasses all of Iraq’s current fixed wing American aircraft types, except for its C-130E and future C-130J medium transports. The IqAF also flies Lasta-95 trainers from Serbia, as well as Seabird Seeker and CH2000 light aircraft from Jordan, and will soon begin inducting AN-32 light tactical transports from Ukraine. American Foreign Military Sales would be an unlikely venue for contracts to support them.
This potential order includes ground stations, spare and repair parts, support equipment, publications and technical data, personnel training and training equipment, repair and return, and other U.S. Government and contractor support. The estimated cost is up to $675 million, but actual figures will depend on negotiated contracts. The amount strongly suggests a multi-year deal.
The prime contractors will be Hawker Beechcraft Corporation in Wichita, KS; Flight Safety International in Flushing, NY; Alliant Techsystems in Magna, UT; L-3 Communications in New York, NY; and Integration Innovation, Inc. in Huntsville, AL.
The DSCA also adds that:
“Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Australia.”
There certainly doesn’t seem to be any shortage at the moment.
