SAN ships built to accommodate Lynx only

Senior naval sources say the hangars and flight deck of South Africa's four Meko A200SAN corvettes are being built with AgustaWestland's Lynx naval helicopter in mind.

Although the military has short-listed the ultra- sophisticated and very expensive Lynx for use on the frigates, no contract to purchase has been signed. South Africa wants a flight of four maritime helicopters for the corvettes. It will be operated by the SA Air Force, as the Navy has no air wing of its own. During last year's Aerospace and Defence Africa 2000 the US Kaman company made a play for the contract with its cheaper Seasprite. Some years ago, South Africa's Denel company exhibited a navalised version of the Oryx (Eurocopter Cougar). Interested analysts say the Oryx, a slightly larger and heavier than the Lynx, though lower, could be accommodated aboard the South African ships. A senior defence editor told DSD the country had no need for ultra-sophisticated anti-submarine helicopters. A navalised Oryx would have greater utility value (especially for SAR, sea-fishery protection and other collateral tasks) and could accommodate anti-submarine or surface warfare payloads on pylons and the equipment inside. It appears interests in the military are planning to force a fait accompli on the government.

Construction of the first corvette started at Blohm+Voss in Hamburg last week. Two will be built there and two more at Kiel before being transferred to South Africa to be fitted out with a locally produced combat suite, electronics and weapons.

Defence Systems Daily