Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation has been invited to negotiate for the Nordic Standard Helicopter Program (NSHP) contract, a joint effort by Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway to procure 73 helicopters for search-and-rescue, transport and maritime missions.

Sikorsky wants to fulfil the NSHP requirement with its S-92. The NSHP office in Stockholm will be negotiating with Sikorsky and other helicopter manufacturers through the contract signing, which is expected to extend into 2001.

"We are totally committed to winning this campaign by offering the newest and finest medium-lift helicopter in the world," said Sikorsky president Dean Borgman. "Combined with an unprecedented industrial cooperation programme, we will provide the best product and support at the best value for our Nordic customers. We look forward to taking part in this next step in the selection process."

Two companies have thus far signed Memoranda of Agreement (MOA) to become members of Sikorsky's S-92 Nordic Alliance, namely Patria Finavitec of Finland and Saab AB of Sweden.

In mid-September, Sikorsky and Patria Finavitec signed an MOA to provide helicopter final assembly, test and completion operations for the S-92.

The MOA signed by Sikorsky president Dean Borgman and Patria Industries chairman Jorma Eloranta asserts that Sikorsky and Patria will work toward a formal agreement for aircraft final assembly of the proposed S-92. The work would also involve fabrication of associated tooling, fixtures and ground support equipment for the new medium-lift helicopter.

"This agreement, the second signed within the past month, shows our commitment to the Nordic standard helicopter programme and is further evidence of Sikorsky's pledge to execute an unprecedented industrial cooperation programme for the Nordic campaign," Borgman said. "This Memorandum of Agreement continues to strengthen our ability to support the S-92 in the Nordic region."

In August, Sikorsky and Saab AB of Sweden signed an MOA to provide helicopter systems design and integration for the Nordic S-92. Sikorsky has submitted a responsive proposal to fulfil the NSHP requirement with the S-92, a new helicopter which says its manufacturers "combines a stand-up cabin, rear access ramp and high performance with the lowest direct operating and maintenance costs in its class".

The Sikorsky proposal includes an industrial participation plan comprising jobs, sales, technology transfer and co-production in the Nordic countries. The Sikorsky S-92 Nordic Alliance comprises several corporations based in the region, along with local and European subsidiaries of other multi-national aerospace and defence companies.

Patria Finavitec Oy is a division of Patria Industries, the Finnish defence material and technology group, whose companies have long traditions of producing industrial products and services. Civilian products represent 38 per cent of corporate net sales.