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New Medium Helicopter
General information
Project forProcurement of a fleet of medium-lift helicopters
Issued byUK Ministry of Defence
Service
Proposals
RequirementUp to 44 medium lift helicopters, final assembly line, training & support
History
Initiated2021
Expected2025

The New Medium Helicopter (NMH) is a British military programme to procure up to 44 medium-lift support helicopters to replace the Westland Puma HC2 and initially, the Bell 412 Griffin operated by the Royal Air Force; and the Bell 212 and Airbus AS365 Dauphin operated by the British Army. It is expected the new aircraft will enter service during the late-2020s. By the mid 2020s, only the Puma HC2 is intended for replacement, the other types have already been retired or will remain in service.

Three manufacturers originally competed for the contract, Airbus Helicopters offering the H175M, Leonardo Helicopters offering the AW149 and Lockheed Martin offering the S-70M Blackhawk. However, in August 2024, only Leonardo had submitted a bid by the required deadline. The bid is expected to be reviewed during 2025, when a contract is also expected to be awarded.

Programme aims

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The New Medium Helicopter programme has the objective of providing UK Joint Aviation Command with a modern medium-lift helicopter, replacing the outdated existing aircraft currently used by the British Army, the Royal Air Force, and UK Strategic Command bases in Cyprus and Brunei. The programme aims to achieve this by:[1]

  • Delivering five helicopter requirements through a single aircraft type to enhance commonality, thereby improving efficiency and operational flexibility.
  • Using open systems architecture that supports the quick integration of various role-specific equipment and carry-on gear, allowing for future upgrades to address evolving threats.
  • Developing training and support that uses a mixture of regular & reserve military personnel, Ministry of Defence (MOD) civil servants and contractors to provide maintenance, logistics, and training of helicopter aircrew, ground crew, and engineers.

Background

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An RAF Westland Puma HC2. Although upgraded in the 2010s, the fleet is on track to have been in service for more than 60 years

On 22 March 2021, the MOD published Defence in a Competitive Age, in which it indicated that it would invest in a new medium-lift helicopter during the mid-2020s.[2] The Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, published at the same time, outlined that to maintain cost-effective access to upgrades and support for the helicopter fleet, the MOD's intention was to consolidate existing fleets through their replacement by a new aircraft acquired through the NMH programme.[3]

Initially, the aircraft to be replaced are the Royal Air Force's twenty-three Westland Puma HC2 and three Bell 412 Griffin; and the British Army's three Bell 212 and six Airbus AS365 Dauphin.[4][5] The Puma HC2 fleet is planned to be supported until at least 2028, whereas the Griffin and Bell 212, which supported British Forces Cyprus and British Forces Brunei, were replaced by the Puma in 2023 and 2022 respectively.[6][7] In the meantime and separately from the NMH programme, the MOD published a transparency notice in November 2023 indicating its intention to acquire six Airbus H145M helicopters (to be known as the Jupiter HC2) for use in Cyprus and Brunei. The Jupiters are expected to be delivered in late 2024.[8] Janes reported in February 2024, that the AS365 Dauphins used by army's special forces would now remain in service for the foreseeable future.[9]

An RAF Griffin HAR2 which was retired from service in 2022

Despite the MOD having yet to release a formal requirement, Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo and Sikorsky (part of Lockheed Martin) displayed their proposals to meet the NMH requirement at the DSEI 2021 defence exhibition in September 2021.[4]

In October 2021, the MOD indicated that no final decision had been taken on the method of procurement, but that the expectation was that it will be subject to a competition.[10] A prior information notice was published by the MOD on 11 November 2021, which outlined the scope of the project and the intention to carry out early engagement with potential suppliers. The MOD indicated that it anticipated 36 to 44 new helicopters would be procured, as well as two cockpit flight simulators and one cabin simulator.[11] At this stage the estimated cost of the contract was £1 billion and it was anticipated to run from October 2023 until October 2028.[12]

Initially the program's main focus was the Puma HC2, but other types were included; by the time the contract was under review the focus was the Puma helicopters fleet. Breaking Defense news noted in 2024, "NMH has been designed to source a replacement for Airbus Puma HC2 helicopters, though it was previously intended to also replace Bell 212, Bell 412 and Airbus Dauphin fleets."[13]

Programme launch

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The MOD published a contract notice on 18 May 2022, officially commencing the competition and confirming the intention to acquire up to 44 aircraft. The contact would also include air and ground crew training as well as in-service technical support and maintenance. The contract would now be worth between £900 million and £1.2 billion. Although no contract start date was indicated, it is specified as running for seven years from the date of award. Invitations to tender were expected to be issued by the MOD by 30 September 2022.[14]

In October 2022, the MOD selected four contenders to progress to the next stage, Airbus offering the H175M, Boeing with an undisclosed aircraft, Leonardo offering the AW149 and Lockheed Martin offering the S-70 Blackhawk.[15] Other contenders which were suggested as potential bids were the AceHawk Aerospace ML-70 (a variant of the Blackhawk); the H160M Guepard and H225M Caracal by Airbus Helicopters; the UH-1Y Venom and 525 Relentless by Bell; the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey; and the NHIndustries NH90.[16][4][17] Bell and AceHawk Aerospace did not pass the pre-qualification questionnaire.[18] Boeing confirmed in March 2023 that rather than offering its own aircraft, which it was anticipated would have been the MH-139 Grey Wolf, it would be partnering with Airbus on the H175M bid.[15]

In July 2023, the defence media reported that the number of aircraft to be acquired had been reduced to a maximum of 35.[19] However, the MOD denied it had reduced the quantity under consideration, stating "There has been no change to the advertised requirement in the New Medium Helicopter contract notice that was published in May 2022." The MOD added that "the second half of the competition will be launched later [in 2023]."[20]

Bids

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Bidding was opened for the programme as the Invitation to Negotiate phase was launched in February 2024. Three manufacturers, Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo Helicopters and Lockheed Martin were expected to submit bids, with a closing date of 30 August 2024.[21][22]

Throughout 2024, defence industry sources again indicated that the expected order size would be reduced, potentially to 25-35 aircraft, with the MOD declining to comment on the exact figure.[23] A senior executive of Spirit AeroSystems, part of the Airbus bid, stated in May 2024 that the size of the contract would be for around 30 helicopters.[9]

Shortly before the deadline for bids, Airbus announced it was withdrawing from the contest, stating that it would be "unable to formulate a responsible bid that would in parallel satisfy the customer’s requirements and provide adequate long-term returns to the business while implying a reasonable prospect of winning,”.[24] Lockheed Martin also withdrew prior to the bid deadline, explaining that "We believe that Black Hawk remains the best solution both for the UK armed forces… but have elected not to submit a response to the New Medium Helicopter [tender] as we could not meet its minimum requirements in today’s market conditions,". This left the AW149 as the only contender.[24]

A contract is also expected to be awarded in 2025.[21] However, a Strategic Defence Review announced in July 2024 by the Labour government, has raised speculation that the project could face cancellation to make budget savings.[25][24] In early December 2024, the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry indicated that the evaluation of the bid is ongoing with the process expected to be complete in the first half of 2025.[26]

Initial contenders

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There were three initial contenders for the NMH contract.[27]

Airbus Helicopters H175M

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Airbus Helicopters H-175M

European multinational company Airbus Helicopters offered a military version of the H175, designated as the H175M.[28] It is a twin-engine helicopter which according to Airbus has the largest cabin space and fuel capacity in its class.[29]

Airbus was to partner with Boeing Defence UK, Babcock, Martin-Baker and Spirit AeroSystems to form the H175m Task Force. Pratt & Whitney Canada was to supply PT6C-67E turbo-shaft engines.[28][30]

The H175M was to be manufactured at Airbus's factory located at Hawarden Airport, Broughton, Wales.[30]

Leonardo AW149

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Leonardo AW149

Italian manufacturer Leonardo is offering the AW149. Partner companies forming Team AW149 UK would include Aerco, Chelton, Ford Aerospace, Helitune, LFD and RDDS Avionics.[31] The AW149 operates with either two General Electric CT7-2E1 engines or two Safran Aneto-1K engines.[32]

Leonardo has indicated that it would assemble the AW149 at a new assembly-line at its Yeovil facility in Somerset, England.[17] Yeovil would act as a 'final assembly facility' due to Italy's investment in the main AW189/AW149 production line in Brindisi, Italy.[33]

The AW149 is already operated by the Royal Thai Army, Egyptian Navy and Polish Land Forces.[34]

Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk

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A Sikorsky UH-60L Black Hawk operated by the US Army

Lockheed Martin, through its Sikorsky Aircraft subsidiary, offered the S-70 Black Hawk. The Black Hawk was the only contender which was designed as a military helicopter and is combat proven, rather than being a military version of a civilian airframe. Entering service in 1979, the Black Hawk is operated by 34 countries, including the US military which had over 2,000 examples across a range of variants.[35]

Lockheed Martin had selected StandardAero to carry out final assembly of the aircraft in Gosport, England.[36]

Comparison table

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Puma HC2 vs possible NMH bids
 Company  Model  Passengers MTOW (kg) Range (km) Max speed (kn) Cruise speed (kn) First flight year Flight hours Length(m) Width (m) Height (m) Production site Min. op temp (°C) Max op. temp (°C)
Aérospatiale Puma HC2[37]  16 7,400 550 167 134 1965 30,000+[38] 18.2 3.5 5.14 Hayes, Middlesex[39] -30 +40
Airbus Helicopters H175M[40] 18 7,800 1,083 175+ 160+ 2009[41][42] 145,000+[43] 18.06[44] 3.35[45] 5.34 Airbus Broughton -40 +50
Leonardo Helicopters AW149[46] 19 8,000 849 [47] 170 155 2009[48][49] unknown 17.57 3.02[50] 5.07 Yeovil/Westland Airport -40 +55
Sikorsky Aircraft  S-70M 11 troops (+12th seat quick install option) 9,979 460 195 160 1974 14,000,000+ 19.76 4.37 5.33 StandardAero Gosport -40 +55

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Williams, David; Smallwood, Nick (10 August 2023). "Appointment as Senior Owner for the New Medium Helicopter Programme" (PDF). GOV.UK. Ministry of Defence. p. 3. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  2. ^ "Integrated Force 2020 – Army" (PDF). Defence Command Paper: Defence in a Competitive Age (CP411). Ministry of Defence: 54. March 2021.
  3. ^ "Defence and Security Industrial Strategy: A strategic approach to the UK's defence and security industrial sectors (CP 410)" (PDF). Gov.uk. Ministry of Defence. 26 March 2021. p. 99. Retrieved 18 September 2021.
  4. ^ a b c Jennings, Gareth (14 September 2021). "DSEI 2021: Contenders showcase New Medium Helicopter offerings for UK". Janes.com. Retrieved 17 September 2021.
  5. ^ Losey, Stephen (27 February 2024). "UK opens bidding for new helicopter, to award contract in 2025". Defense News. Sightline Media Group. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  6. ^ McNeil, Harry (7 September 2023). "Puma support agreement raises questions about UK's new helicopter programme". Airforce Technology. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  7. ^ Perry, Dominic (19 April 2024). "RAF Pumas to replace Bell helicopters in Brunei and Cyprus". Flight Global. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  8. ^ "UK contracts H145 helicopters for Brunei, Cyprus missions". Janes. 20 June 2024. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  9. ^ a b Martin, Tim (1 May 2024). "UK New Medium Helicopter buy reduced to around 30 aircraft: Spirit AeroSystems Exec". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 24 July 2024.
  10. ^ Hunter, Jamie (20 October 2021). "Airbus pushes new H175M for UK Puma replacement". Vertical Mag. MHM Publishing. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  11. ^ Jennings, Gareth (12 November 2021). "UK launches New Medium Helicopter effort with Market Interest Day". Janes.com. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 13 December 2022. According to the notification, the requirement will cover between 36 and 44 aircraft, as well as two cockpit and one cabin simulator...
  12. ^ "New Medium Helicopter (NMH)". Contracts Finder (GOV.UK). Ministry of Defence. 11 November 2021.
  13. ^ Martin, Tim (1 May 2024). "UK New Medium Helicopter buy reduced to around 30 aircraft: Spirit AeroSystems Exec". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  14. ^ Perry, Dominic (19 May 2022). "UK launches New Medium Helicopter procurement". Flight Global. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
  15. ^ a b Perry, Dominic (1 November 2022). "Four firms to fight for UK's New Medium Helicopter requirement". Flight Global.
  16. ^ Parsons, Dan (1 December 2021). "Airbus sees market for hundreds of H160Ms outside France". Vertical Mag. MHM Publishing. Retrieved 4 December 2021.
  17. ^ a b Hunter, Jamie (26 March 2021). "Leonardo to pitch AW149 for RAF Puma replacement". Vertical Mag. MHM Publishing. Retrieved 23 September 2021.
  18. ^ Martin, Tim (2 November 2022). "UK selects four competitors to fight for New Medium Helicopter contract". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  19. ^ Martin, Tim (15 July 2023). "UK reducing New Medium Helicopter buy to 25-35 aircraft: Airbus exec". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 17 July 2023.
  20. ^ Perry, Dominic (18 July 2023). "UK MoD denies scaling back New Medium Helicopter buy despite Airbus claims". FlightGlobal. Retrieved 23 October 2023.
  21. ^ a b "Future UK military helicopter reaches next competition stage". GOV.UK. Ministry of Defence. 27 February 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  22. ^ "Question for Ministry of Defence – Military Aircraft: Helicopters (UIN 444)". GOV.UK. 22 July 2024. Retrieved 26 July 2024.
  23. ^ Martin, Tim (1 May 2024). "UK New Medium Helicopter buy reduced to around 30 aircraft: Spirit AeroSystems Exec". Breaking Defense. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  24. ^ a b c Perry, Dominic (30 August 2024). "Airbus Helicopters and Sikorsky walk away from UK NMH contest at 11th hour". Flight Global. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
  25. ^ "The Strategic Defence Review". GOV.UK. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
  26. ^ Eagle, Maria (4 December 2024). "Written questions and answers – Military Aircraft: Helicopters, Question for Ministry of Defence (UIN 16735)". UK Parliament. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  27. ^ Losey, Stephen (27 February 2024). "UK opens bidding for new helicopter, to award contract in 2025". Defense News. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  28. ^ a b "Airbus welcomes Boeing to H175M Task Force for UK New Medium Helicopter competition | Airbus". Airbus. 6 March 2023. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  29. ^ "H175M". Airbus. 28 June 2022. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  30. ^ a b "Airbus Broughton: MoD opens up 'Invitation to Negotiate' phase for new military helicopter". Deeside.com. 27 February 2024. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  31. ^ "Team AW149 UK". Leonardo. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  32. ^ "AW149 - Military Helicopters". Leonardo. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  33. ^ Leonardo, PR (31 March 2022). "AW149 Skills Share". AW149 skills sharing. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  34. ^ Jennings, Gareth (8 January 2024). "Poland clears AW149 helicopters for operations". Janes.com. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  35. ^ "Sikorsky Black Hawk Helicopter". Lockheed Martin. 24 August 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  36. ^ Perry, Dominic (12 September 2023). "StandardAero to build Black Hawks for the UK under Lockheed NMH bid". Flight Global. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  37. ^ "Puma HC2 | Royal Air Force". Royal Air Force. Archived from the original on 15 December 2022. Retrieved 18 December 2022.
  38. ^ "RAF Puma fleet hits 30,000 flying hours | Shephard". www.shephardmedia.com. 29 January 2020. Archived from the original on 19 December 2022. Retrieved 19 December 2022. The Royal Air Force (RAF) Puma helicopter fleet has achieved 30,000 flying hours since the Puma 2 helicopter came into service in 2015.
  39. ^ "Westland Puma clocks up 50 years in RAF service". Planet Avgeek. 11 July 2021. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 18 December 2022. the SNIAS/Westland Puma HC.1 accounted for 40 aircraft XW198-237, all were built at Hayes with deliveries commencing with XW198 and 199 on 29/1/71.
  40. ^ "H175M Infographic". Airbus. Archived from the original on 12 December 2022. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  41. ^ O’Keeffe, Niall (17 December 2009). "Avicopter ponders alternative engine following EC175 first flight". Flight Global. Archived from the original on 3 December 2021. Retrieved 13 December 2022. Eurocopter expects a minimum of 800 orders over a 20-year period for the EC175. The helicopter completed its first flight on 4 December, meeting a target to fly by the end 2009 that was established at the outset of four-year-old programme.
  42. ^ "EC175 Brochure" (PDF). 2011. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 December 2022. Retrieved 13 December 2022. EC175's first flight on December 4th, 2009
  43. ^ "H175M | Airbus". www.airbus.com. 28 June 2022. Archived from the original on 2 November 2022. More than 145,000 flight hours have been logged by the H175 fleet in such operations as...
  44. ^ "Helicopters, civil helicopters EC175 : Characteristics - Airbus Helicopters Airbus Group - Airbus Helicopters". Archived from the original on 1 February 2014. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  45. ^ "EASA TYPE-CERTIFICATE DATA SHEET No. EASA.R.150 for EC175" (PDF). p. 5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
  46. ^ "AW149 - Military Helicopters". helicopters.leonardo.com. Archived from the original on 14 December 2022. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  47. ^ "AW149 - Military Helicopters". helicopters.leonardo.com. Archived from the original on 14 December 2022. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
  48. ^ "AW149 & AW159 complete first flights". The World of Aviation. Archived from the original on 14 December 2022. Retrieved 14 December 2022. The AgustaWestland AW149 multirole military variant of the AW139 medium twin helicopter completed its first flight on November 13, a day after the AW159 Lynx Wildcat updated Lynx for the British military flew.
  49. ^ "The AW149 Performs Its First Flight". Vertical Mag. 13 November 2009. Archived from the original on 14 December 2022. Retrieved 14 December 2022. AgustaWestland, a Finmeccanica company, is pleased to announce that the first prototype of the AW149 multi-role military medium twin helicopter successfully completed its maiden flight on November 13th at AgustaWestland's Vergiate plant.
  50. ^ "AW149 | AgustaWestland". Archived from the original on 4 November 2011. Retrieved 14 December 2022.
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