New Zealand Defence Minister Phil Goff announced the Cabinet has approved the start of contract negotiations with AgustaWestland, the preferred tenderer for the supply of training-light utility helicopters to the New Zealand Defence Force.
“The negotiations for five AgustaWestland A109LUHs and a flight simulator will commence shortly and I expect a contract to be signed in the first quarter of next year,” Goff said Oct. 30.
“The helicopters should enter service with the Royal New Zealand Air Force in 2010. The purchase represents a new generation capability for the New Zealand Defence Force and in technology and capability is a quantum leap forward from the old Sioux training helicopter.”
The A109 is wheeled and able to deploy from New Zealand navy vessels as can the Seasprite helicopter in service now and the eight new NH-90s on order for the air force.
The A109 has the advanced technology necessary to train pilots moving on to the Seasprite and NH-90.
“It flies faster and further, carries more people and can do a wide range of tasks, including with the Navy,” Goff said. “As well as training, the A109 has light utility capabilities including air transport, search and rescue, aeromedical evacuation, disaster response and surveillance and counter terrorism support. “It can work alongside the NH-90 or carry out tasks for which its size makes it more suited and at less expense than using the NH-90.
The new A109s would also be able to provide operational support for other government agencies to include police, customs, conservation and fisheries.