Airbus links up with SME suppliers for helicopter bid

Airbus Helicopters has linked up with more thar 20 Australian partners to form Team Nightjar which will bid for a fleet of military helicopters.

The consortium is aiming to snare Project LAND 2097 Phase 4 contract to build new helicopters for Defence’s Special Operations group.

Team Nightjar members include Cablex, Cyborg Dynamics, Deakin University, DEWC, ECLIPS, Ferra Engineering, Helicopter Logistics, Helimods, Kinetic Fighting, Kratos Australia, Microflite, PREDICT Australia, QinetiQ Australia, Safran Helicopter Engines Australia, Seeing Machines, Sigma Bravo, Rusada, TAFE NSW, Tagai Management Consultants, Toll Helicopters, University of Technology Sydney, Varley Group and Varley Rafael Australia.

They will combine to offer the Airbus H145M helicopter (pictured) to fill the requirement for Ia four-tonne class, rapidly deployable, multi-role helicopter.

Airbus Australia Pacific managing director Andrew Mathewson said: “We recognise the importance of working with Australian companies on this programme, with each partner offering niche capabilities to the Commonwealth.

“Building on our established commitment to Australian industry, Team Nightjar will have a strong focus on Australian industrial support and innovation.”

The teaming proposal will generate over $250 million of economic benefits and more than 170 Australian jobs, according to Airbus.

The compact and light twin-engine aircraft will be optimised for operations within dense urban environments and will be deployable via a C-17A Globemaster.

Airbus has more than 1,500 local employees working across 23 sites for civil and military fixed-wing and rotary wing aircraft.

Picture: Airbus H145M helicopter

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