Media Release

DEFENCE REVIEWS SHORT-LISTED LTAC BIDS

The Department of Defence is reviewing proposals for a new aircraft to replace the RAAF's fleet of Caribou aircraft.

Two companies have been short-listed as potential suppliers for providing a Light Tactical Airlift Capability (LTAC) to the Australian Defence Force.

Although neither proposal currently meets all Defence's requirements, the Department believes each has potential, and both companies will be asked to review their proposals.

The two bidding companies are Construcciones Aeronauticas Sociedad Anonima (CASA) of Spain with its C-295M aircraft and Lockheed Martin Alenia Tactical Transport Systems (LMATTS) of the United States with the C-27J aircraft.

The ADF requires a fixed-wing, turbine-powered Light Transport Aircraft in the 15,000 to 30,000 kilogram weight range, capable of continuous operations in Australia's austere conditions. The aircraft is required to be equipped with a ramp and paratrooping doors and capable of operating from rudimentary airstrips of about 1000 metres in both wet or dry conditions.

The new aircraft will bridge the capability gap between the RAAF's C-130 Hercules transport aircraft and the Army's medium lift CH-47 Chinook helicopters

A decision on source selection is expected later this year.

Further information:
Wing Commander Geoff Tasker Ph 02-6266 1785 or 0419 670234

Issued by the Defence Public Affairs Organisation, Department of Defence, Canberra, ACT, 2600

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