[defenseindustrydaily.com] On July 2/10, the US DSCA announced
[PDF] Tunisia’s formal request to buy 12 refurbished US Navy SH-60F
Seahawk utility Helicopters, plus associated equipment. The SH-60Fs
would be offered as Excess Defense Articles (grant EDA notification is
being submitted separately).
In the US Navy, the SH-60F is a utility and search and rescue
helicopter, with secondary submarine hunter capabilities via its dipping
sonar and sonobuoys. This distinguishes it from its SH-60B
Seahawk/LAMPS counterpart, which adds a maritime radar and surface
attack capabilities. Tunisia
is expected to use the helicopters for border/sea surveillance, search
and rescue, and utility duties. The country sits between Libya and
Algeria on the southern Mediterranean coast, right across from Italy, so
naval helicopters are very useful to them. Its air force currently
flies some old H-3/S-61 Sea Kings, so even used SH-60Fs would represent a
frugal upgrade.
Tunisia’s potential order would involve 12 inspected and refurbished
SH-60Fs, along with 29 T700-GE-401C engines (24 installed and 5
spares), spare and repairs parts, support equipment, personnel training
and training equipment, publications and technical data, and other forms
of U.S. Government and contractor support. The estimated cost is up to
$282 million, but the final figure must be negotiated if a deal is done.
General Electric in Lynn, MA would be the engine prime contractor, and
implementation of this proposed sale will require 2 contractor
representatives in Tunisia for familiarization training, for 2 years.
U.S. Government and contractor representatives will also be required to
participate in program management and program and technical reviews,
training, and maintenance support for 1 week intervals, semi-annually
for 3 years.
Source: http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/SH-60F-Seahawk-Helis-for-Tunisia-06474/
