Media Release

Sea King Helicopter Modernisation Contributes to Naval and Australian Industry Capability

The company which successfully completed the life of type extension (LOTE) of the Navy's Sea King helicopters spent considerably more in Australian industry involvement than originally anticipated and will continue its commitment to Australian industry, the ADF's Navy Aviation Systems Project Office (NASPO) said today.

GKN Westland was contracted to undertake work worth about $18.4 million of the $70 million total project cost in Australia but had overachieved on Australian industry involvement (AII) to the extent of spending an extra $1.6 million here, NASPO's Project Director, Captain Brian Rowe, said today.

The Sea King LOTE program, signed in July 1994, provided for a range of local content, technology transfer, training, marketing assistance and defence related activities heavily geared towards enhancing Australia's technological development and the productive capability and capacity of Australian industry.

Captain Rowe, said that in addition to delivering seven significantly enhanced maritime utility aircraft the Sea King LOTE program delivered a range of realistic and sustainable industry benefits.

“The LOTE AII program represents the culmination of an intensive five year program,” he said, “and it is especially pleasing to note that GKN Westland will continue its commitment to industry through Defence Industry Investment Recognition (DIIREC) Scheme*.”

GKN Westland's Head of International Trade and Development, Mr Bryan Robins, said that the LOTE AII program was one of the most rigorous and challenging programs ever undertaken by the company.

“It is pleasing to conclude the program with a credit but that is attributable to the spirit of cooperation and commitment shown by all those involved in the program and the highly effective work of NASPO,” he said.

“While the LOTE AII program is now complete, some of the opportunities and new technologies that we have developed with local industry are sufficiently exciting and promising to have encouraged us to establish a DIIREC Deed with Defence.”

Regional Business Manager at GKN Westland, Mr Des Hassan, thanked the Commonwealth for the opportunity to participate in the LOTE for the Sea King and looked forward to the opportunity to become involved in future aircraft support programs.

Further information:
Departmental : Captain Brian Rowe : +61 2 6265 7422
GKN Westland Helicopters Ltd : Chris Loney : +44 1935 702 007

* See DAO Release DPAO 225/99 of Aug 12, 1999 – Defence and GKN Westland Helicopters Enter a New Era of Investment Recognition

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

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