Aussie defence bungle may benefit NZThe New Zealand air force may cash in on a costly Australian military bungle, by buying spare parts from Australia's doomed Seasprite helicopters.
Australian Defence Minister Joel Fitzgibbon announced earlier this month his government had scrapped a $1.28 billion contract to supply its navy with 11 Seasprites.
The helicopters were originally due to enter service in 2001 but problems with the development of their automated flight control and computerised flight systems meant they were never accepted by the navy.
Commentators said it was one of Australia's biggest military bungles.
Former defence minister Brendan Nelson likened it to refitting an FJ Holden to perform like a current model Commodore.
The former Australian government bought the machines from Kaman Aircraft Corporation in a deal signed in 1997.
Kaman was the main contractor for the control and systems upgrades but the project was plagued by software and development problems and none of the aircraft were accepted for use on Australian warships.
However, the Royal New Zealand Air Force told the Australians last week it might be interested in buying some of the Seasprite spare parts.
New Zealand has five Seasprite helicopters, used on its Anzac frigates.
Air force spokesman Squadron Leader Glenn Davies said New Zealand had "registered an interest" in some of the Australian parts, particularly the composite rotor blades.
Last week New Zealand chief of air force Air Vice-Marshal Graham Lintott had an informal meeting with the man about to become his Australian counterpart, Air Marshal Mark Binskin, and "expressed an interest in negotiating" for spare parts, Mr Davies said.
"We are not interested in the aircraft as such at the moment because they are completely different aircraft from the ones we are operating but certainly the spares," he said.
Eight days ago the Australian Government signed a deal with Kaman, the American company which made Seasprites, to sell them on the open market.
Australia would get half the proceeds, a guaranteed $40m.
Link
http://news.smh.com.au/aussie-defence-bungle-may-benefit-nz/20080328-225i.html#
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