Monday, November 7, 2016

New birds for Republic of Singapore Air Force RSAF helicopter fleet - Airbus H225M and Boeing CH-47F Chinook


The Singapore Ministry of Defence has awarded a contract to Airbus Helicopters for the acquisition of the H225M - Medium Lift Helicopter and a contract to The Boeing Company for the acquisition of CH-47F - Heavy Lift Helicopter.
The new H225M and CH-47F will replace the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF)'s existing Super Pumas and older Chinooks, which have been in service since 1983 and 1994 respectively, and are facing obsolescence. The H225M and CH-47F possess better lift and reach capabilities, and will enable the RSAF to meet the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF)'s lift requirements more efficiently with fewer helicopters and less manpower.
The acquisition of the H225M and CH-47F will ensure that the RSAF continues to effectively meet the SAF's lift requirements for a wide spectrum of operations, including Search and Rescue (SAR), Aeromedical Evacuation (AME) and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations. The replacement aircraft were selected after a rigorous evaluation process.

Source: Ministry of Defence, Singapore

1 comment:

weasel1962 said...

The CH-47s may be remanufactured SDs under a 2009 DCS approval per link.
http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2009-11-25/pdf/E9-28270.pdf
Remanufactured CH-47s to F versions are considered "mew". No DSCA FMS or other DCS approval noted for CH-47Fs.

H225Ms are 28 seaters compared to 19 seats on the Super Pumas. May suggest 20 as a possible estimated replacement number.