PCG Light to Medium Weight Search and Rescue Helicopter Requirement

[Herbie]

According to philgeps, 2015's "Procurement of Two (2) Light to Medium Weight Search and Rescue Helicopter" bid status is still "Remarks: For Review". Again, the project amounts to PHP 777,600,000.00.

Looking at the proposed Budget of the PCG for 2017, there is still an entry for "Continuing Appropriations for R.A. 10651 (2015 budget)" for this Budget Year amounting to PHP826,880,000. This means, if the PCG finishes its review and still approves the procurement this year, the funds are still available.

[Herbie]

This was part of the presentation by Commodore Reconquista, Philippine Coast Guard that describes the plans to improve maritime patrol capabilities in alignment with economic and security priority initiatives beyond 2014, around Nov 2014 at the 11th Annual Global MDA conference, Sinagapore.

There are two categories of helicopters the PCG is looking at: light and medium. 

This is to prioritise interoperability with PCG SAR vessels.



We are reminded of the Bell helicopter comment of Rear Adm Chen in a DefenceIQ interview, as the Bell 429 is in the shortlist of light helicopters being eyed by the PCG. The AW109E and EC145 are also candidates.


Apparently, they're looking also at the Bell 412EP (as indicated in another previous slide) and the Airbus AS365 N3.

[Herbie]

Technical Specifications of the Light to Medium Weight Search and Rescue Helicopter Requirement

[Herbie]

By the way, as of 29 September 2016, the Maritime Disaster Response Helicopter Acquisition project is still listed and under NEDA's Investment Coordination Committee (ICC). So no NEDA Board approval yet (final step before bidding).

Still the same general description:

The project involves the acquiisition of seven (7) multi-role helicopters to strengthen and expand PCG's maritime disaster response capabilityies during maritime incidents, natural disasters and calamities. It also involves the training of pilots and technical crew, procurement of mission equipment and tools and spare parts for five (5) years.

http://www.neda.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Projects-in-the-ICC-Appraisal-Monitor-as-of-29-Sep-2016.pdf

Mukhang inupuan lang nina former Secretary pAbaya. The cost is PHP 5,629.54 billion. Date of receipt of NEDA was 24-Feb-16. So currently, it is under NEDA ICC - Technical Board deliberation (1st round was 11 May 2016). After NEDA ICC Technical Board deliberation, the NEDA ICC - Cabinet Committee is next. Then the final NEDA Board approval (No idea when will that be). 

It looks like, that the  German loan for the 7 choppers expired without the project being approved by the NEDA Board. Talk about taking their sweet time. Hopefully, the current DOTr, PCG and NG leadership take a much faster pace.

[speculation only] Looks like the project under the PCG's budget (the two units under bidding now) was started when I think it was apparent the project under DOTr (7 units) will take time. I don't know what will be the effect of the PCG project on the DOTr project.

The proposed Budget of the PCG for 2017, there is still an entry for "Continuing Appropriations for R.A. 10651 (2015 budget)" amounting to PHP 826,880,000.

It was clear from 2011-2013 that the PCG Helicopters had a budget before. It was under the main DOTC budget then and not under the PCG budget. It was partly funded by a German loan, from Credit Agricole.

2013 - http://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/GAA/GAA2013/DOTC/DOTC.pdf page5 -----   465,935,000
2012 - http://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/GAA/GAA2012/DOTC/DOTC.pdf page16 --- 3,397,984,000
2011 - http://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/GAA/GAA2011/DOTC/DOTC.pdf page5  ----1,560,567,000

2013 Foreign Assisted Projects by Creditor: http://www.dbm.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/BESF/BESF2013/B15.pdf

[Herbie]

NEDA says investment body could meet in Jan.
Posted on December 23, 2016
...
Meanwhile, two projects awaiting deliberations at the ICC-Technical Board level are:
...
• The Maritime Disaster Response Helicopter Acquisition of the DoTr and the Philippine Coast Guard with an estimated cost of P5.62954 billion.
...
“Usually, whatever the ICC proposes to the NEDA Board, they will all be approved,” said Mr. Pernia. - See more at: http://www.m.bworldonline.com/m_content.php?section=Economy&id=138202#sthash.F2qZMHvY.dpuf

[Herbie]

The status of the "Procurement of Light to Medium Weight Search and Rescue Helicopter" is CANCELLED according to philgeps. The remarks is "PS-DBM to undertake the procurement activities.".

Bright side is the budget can be increased and the "Maritime Disaster Response Helicopter Acquisition Project" is continued. Libre mangarap hehehehe

Some observations on the specifications, old versus new :

Old specifications
Maximum Gross Weight - 6000 - 7000 lbs (2,727 kg - 3,181.81 kg)
Useful load – Not less than 900 kgs
With Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) for pilot load management with fully coupled 4-axis autopilot system
Surveillance Mission (fully configured less hoist with 2 pilots + 1 crew): Range at least 300 NM
Wire strike protection system
Airframe hours meter
no stated "Unobstructed cabin volume of at least 200 cubic ft"
With cabin door dimension at least 110 centimeters width

New specifications
Maximum Gross Weight - Must not exceed 4,800 kgs
Useful load - Not less than 1000 kgs
Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) with auto hover capability
Surveillance Mission (fully configured less hoist with 2 pilots + 1 crew): Radius of operation at least 100 NM
no Wire strike protection system defined
no Airframe hours meter defined
Unobstructed cabin volume of at least 200 cubic ft
no stated "With cabin door dimension at least 110 centimeters width"

The new specification "Unobstructed cabin volume of at least 200 cubic ft" disqualifies AW109 as it only has 123.601 cubic ft  (3.5 m3 / 124 ft3), see in http://www.leonardocompany.com/en/-/aw109-power-2

[gemini1]

Does this translate to a g2g purchase?
On the requirements (old/new), old specs on range, was 300nm and the new specs was changed to radius of 100nm.   
Doesn't that lessens the distance the helo/s can travel? Isn't the formula, for radius is to just divide the range in half? which means the old spec has a radius of 150 nm?

[Herbie]

Does this translate to a g2g purchase?
On the requirements (old/new), old specs on range, was 300nm and the new specs was changed to radius of 100nm.   
Doesn't that lessens the distance the helo/s can travel? Isn't the formula, for radius is to just divide the range in half? which means the old spec has a radius of 150 nm?

I have no idea gemini1

Yes, looks like the range was lessened in the SAR mission in the latest bid. I'm interested to know why the Procurement Service - Dept of Budget & Mgmt will take over the latest cancelled bid.

[Herbie]

From the updated 2015 APEC COUNTER-TERRORISM ACTION PLAN for Calendar Year 2016, looks like the Bell helicopter model some PCG officials where referring was the Bell 429.

[Herbie]

Given that the MSCIP Phase 1 and the recent Phase 2 are STEP loans (0.01% per year, 40 years payment period including a 10-year grace period, Japan companies only), the PCG Maritime Disaster Response Helicopter Acquisition Project can theoretically be acquired through a STEP loan. I wonder what are the obstacles why the PCG or DOTr hasn't gone through this route.

Kawasaki Starts Sales of New H145//BK117 D-2 Helicopters
Oct. 12, 2016

Tokyo, October 12, 2016 - Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today its release of the new H145//BK117 D-2 helicopter (BK117 D-2), which was developed jointly with Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH. In addition to direct sales by Kawasaki, Airbus Helicopters Japan Co., Ltd. has been named as its sales agent for the new model in Japan in an effort to strengthen its sales network.

The BK117 D-2 features highly improved flight and safety performance, while taking over the features of the previous BK117 C-2 that have earned high marks, such as the versatile, wide clamshell doors at the rear and the aero dynamic component, which boasts more than four million hours of real flight time.

Advantages Offered by the BK117 D-2
1)   Improved Hovering Performance
Adoption of a high-output engine and enhancements to the main gearbox performance have enabled major improvements in hovering performance.
2)   Reduced Pilot Workload
A new automatic pilot system combined with integrated instruments utilizing the latest technologies help reduce burden on the pilot.
3) Unparalleled Noise Reduction
The introduction of a ducted-fan design for the tail rotor enables the best noise-reduction available for this class of helicopter.
4) Upgraded Safety Performance
The inclusion of twin high-output electronically controlled (FADEC: Full Authority Digital Engine Control) engines mean that even if an engine problem or failure occurs, the helicopter can sustain safe flight.
5) Reduced Maintenance Costs
Improvements such as increased engine durability enable longer maintenance intervals, thus cutting overall maintenance costs.


Basic Specifications
Length   13.64 m
Width   1.73 m (body)
Height   3.95 m
Capacity   10 (maximum number of seats)
Maximum take-off weight   3,700 kg
Maximum speed   Approx. 267 km/h
Cruising range   740 km (standard tank, maximum take-off weight, ISA + 20°C, 5,000 ft.)

The BK117 is a medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter used for various purposes, including emergency medical services, firefighting, disaster relief, law enforcement, broadcasting, and personnel and cargo transport. Following delivery of the first model in 1983, this helicopter has been continually improved over the years, and thanks to the aircraft's outstanding technological strengths and high reliability, Kawasaki has successfully delivered 172 units as of October 12, 2016. This number comes to more than 1,200 units worldwide if products sold by Airbus Helicopters are factored in, making it a global bestseller.

Moving forward, Kawasaki will continue making performance improvements to the BK117, and developing various other equipment and components as needed. Furthermore, the company will leverage strong customer trust fostered through past business operations, as well as the company's thoroughgoing customer support system encompassing everything from development to manufacturing, sales and after-sales services, as they actively pursue further business activities around the world.

http://global.kawasaki.com/en/corp/newsroom/news/detail/?f=20161012_2244

[Juramentado]

Why not capitalize on emerging commonality between the services and get some AW-109s. If all they're looking for is a light to medium twin that can easily be marinized, that already checks the boxes. The various branches and agencies can then pool into a larger collection of spares.

I just saw the cabin specifications. Sigh. Looks like they want to airlift a medical team.

[sirius]

Why not capitalize on emerging commonality between the services and get some AW-109s. If all they're looking for is a light to medium twin that can easily be marinized, that already checks the boxes. The various branches and agencies can then pool into a larger collection of spares.

I just saw the cabin specifications. Sigh. Looks like they want to airlift a medical team.

The US Coast Guard used them under the MH-68 designation, but now replaced by a variant of the Eurocopter Dauphin.

[Herbie]

Why not capitalize on emerging commonality between the services and get some AW-109s. If all they're looking for is a light to medium twin that can easily be marinized, that already checks the boxes. The various branches and agencies can then pool into a larger collection of spares.

I just saw the cabin specifications. Sigh. Looks like they want to airlift a medical team.

Yes, looks like it.

The BK117-D2 (MTOW 3,700 kg) still fits the San Juan class SARVs' Flight Deck maximum weight limit of 4,672 kg (10,728 lb).

[Herbie]

For 2018, it is now confirmed that the SAR Helo project will have a budget for only one unit albeit a bigger budget per unit PHP686 million from PHP388 million (bidding for 2 units before).



http://www.dbm.gov.ph/?page_id=21191

[Herbie]

Seems that the helo project (the seven helicopter package) has still a glimmer of hope.

More infra projects up for economic managers’ OK

By: Ben O. de Vera - Reporter / @bendeveraINQPhilippine Daily Inquirer / 07:16 PM August 10, 2017

More infrastructure projects are expected to be green-lighted by economic managers Friday, including an increase in the project cost of the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and the construction of a road project in Mindanao.

National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan said the Cabinet Committee (CabCom) of the Neda’s Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) will tackle the following projects: the purchase of maritime disaster response helicopters by the Philippine Coast Guard; the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Mindanao road sector project; as well as the construction of two bridges along the Pasig River, namely Binondo-Intramuros and Estrella-Pantaleon, by the DPWH.

Read more: http://business.inquirer.net/234850/business-infrastructure-economy-economic-manager-project-cebu-bus-rapid-transit-road-highway#ixzz4pRsQ8lf7
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