AHI works on trainer despite CRs

The Navy’s TH-73A trainer helicopter contract award is to be delayed by at least a month as the U.S. government continues to function under a Continuing Resolution (CR) that prevent FY 2020 new-start programs from beginning. November 2019 had been the original plan for industry competitors to receive a $900M contract for 130 on the rotary wing trainers to replace the legacy TH-57 Sea Ranger fleet. But, until an approved appropriations act for FY-20 has been signed into law, no such developments will take place. A current CR lasts until Dec. 21. A third CR would be mean an even longer wait for the helicopters, but Naval Air Systems Command “will continue to coordinate with industry and adjust requirements accordingly,” a NAVAIR spokesperson confirmed. Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI) of Columbus, Miss, is offering the H135 light twin, followed by Bell and its 407GXi light single and Leonardo’s TH-119 light single, all of which meet a compulsory US Navy IFR requirement. AHI “stands ready at any moment to fully support the Navy’s (Advanced Helicopter Training System) requirement with the best-value solution … and technically mature H135,” the Airbus spokesperson said in a statement. AHI-Columbus has already begun production of the first helicopter at its production line in Columbus, which has delivered more than 450 Lakota helicopters to the Army and Navy, and which is easily augmentable for H135 production. (Source: Shepard Media 11/28/19) Gulf Coast: Navy helo-pilot training is done at NAS Whiting Field, Fla. https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/defence-helicopter/us-navy-trainer-helicopter-award-schedule-slips/