30 August 2019:Airbus Helicopters is providing a cost-effective way for taking the Tiger platform beyond 2040, in response to the Commonwealth of Australia's (CoA) Request for Information (RFI) for the Project LAND4503 Armed Reconnaissance Capability. The RFI needs solutions for the army's future armed reconnaissance helicopter needs.
Airbus manufactures tandem seat Tiger helicopters which were introduced to the Australian Army in 2004. Eighteen of the 22 units were assembled at the Airbus site in Brisbane, Australia. The fleet has supported Australia for over 15 years.
The Airbus Helicopters proposal will provide the Australian Army and taxpayer with over AUD3 billion in savings against the expected budget for LAND4503.
"Tiger is an extremely agile, effective, and digitally connected armed reconnaissance helicopter," said Andrew Mathewson, Airbus Australia Pacific Managing Director. "Since delivery, the Australian Tiger has matured into a fully operational army capability, and is integrated into the combined arms team. It continues to prove itself as an adaptable platform, and is now a key element of Australia's amphibious capabilities on-board the Canberra Class Landing Helicopter Docks."
Cost per flight hour of the Australian Tiger has come down by more than 30 per cent, and the sortie success rate is currently sitting at above 95 per cent. It is these measures that are acknowledged in Australia and internationally as unmatched, and place Tiger in a very good position.
"Airbus proudly delivers a strong Australian industry capability, including more than 260 local staff supporting Tiger," Mathewson added.