Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/1446249
Even though the Polish military helicopter procurement programs have been hampered (Kruk), or suspended (Perkoz), the current edition of MSPO had numerous interesting highlights tied to the requirements the Polish Armed Forces may have in this domain. This is related to the final periods of the life cycles, that are imminent for the currently operated helicopters. As the analysis has shown, the Polish Ministry of Defence would be forced to procure a plethora of helicopters during the upcoming years, hence the potential suppliers expressing their interest in the market. When it comes to the Kruk program, Bell Textron is treating it as an important challenge, offering the AH- 1Z Viper on the Polish market. The US-based manufacturer is currently focused on export agreements signed with Bahrain (the first example made a maiden flight in mid-September), and the Czech Republic. Low LCC is a major advantage that the AH-1Z Viper supposedly has, as opposed to the competing designs, as the manufacturer claims. This argument is supported by official federal data supplied by the US DoD Audit Bureau - Inspector General. This is one of the most important audit system elements for the US budget - at least formally. Unfortunately, the Viper did not make an appearance at MSPO - off the record we have learned that this was caused by the situation in Asia and the USMC expeditionary involvement in the Afghan rescue operation. On the other hand, Boeing had no stand of its own ready, yet AH-64E Guardian made its debut at the static display - it was a US Army bird, normally stationed at the 33rd Airlift Base in Powidz. Leonardo seems to be less interested in the Kruk program - at least on the ground of media relations. A few years back, the company was promoting Polish participation in the R&D program related to the new AW249 attack helicopter. Modernization of at least some of the Mi-24D/W helicopters operated by Rotary-wing Boeing AH-64E Boeing AH-64E Apache Guardian Apache Guardian www.fragoutmag.com