AgustaWestland AW-159 “Wildcat” is a strong contestant to be
selected as the Philippine Navy’s (PN’s) first anti-submarine warfare (ASW)
helicopter as it has all the requirements set by the Department of National
Defense (previously called the Future Lynx and Lynx Wildcat). It is an upgraded version of the Westland Super Lynx
military helicopter.
If
selected, the AW-159 will serve its role
on the battlefield utility, search and rescue and anti-surface warfare as well
as it is to enter service with the
British Army in 2014 and with the Royal Navy in 2015.
AW-159 is a 5.4 billion worth that features two
crews, it has a full speed of 291 km/h (181 mph), range
of 777 km (483 miles), ferry range of 963 km (598 miles) and a survival of one
and a-half hours (four hours and 30 minutes if fitted with auxiliary fuel)
The
AW-159 is fitted with forward firing CRV7 rockets and machine guns, pintel
mounted machine gun, Sea Skua missiles and Sting-Ray torpedoes and depth
charges which are very ideal for any battle .
The
money for the two ASW helicopters will
be sourced from Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Trust Fund under
the Medium Term Development Capability Plan for 2013 to 2017.
As
of now, there are three companies showed their interest in the project, including
PT Dirgantara Indonesia, Airbus Helicopters and AgustaWestland. The submission
of bid took last July 15 and the winning bidder must deliver the helicopters in
2016.
The acquisition of these two projects is listed for the war equipment to be acquired in the next four years. The ASW choppers will be given to the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16).
