Argentina
seeks Basler BT-67s for Antarctic resupply duties
By Craig Hoyle19 April 2024
·
Argentina could be set
to acquire Basler BT-67 transport aircraft via a potential $143 million Foreign
Military Sales deal with the US government.
The Pratt &
Whitney Canada PT6A-67R turboprop-powered aircraft would be provided by
Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based Basler Turbo Conversions.
Source:
Basler Turbo Conversions
The turboprop-powered
BT-67 is evolved from veteran Douglas DC-3 airframe
The US Department of
State’s approval for the possible transaction was detailed by the US Defense
Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on 18 April.
In addition to its
modern engines, Basler’s BT-67 product also equips the veteran Douglas DC-3
airframe with a fuselage stretch and glass-cockpit avionics.
“The end product is an
essentially new aircraft with its gross take-off weight increased to 30,000lb
[13,600kg] and an unbeatable combination of simplicity, reliability and
operating performance,” the company says.
The number of aircraft
involved has not been disclosed, but the deal would also span logistics,
maintenance and programme support, and the provision of spare parts.
“The proposed sale
will improve Argentina’s capability to meet current and future threats by
providing additional capacity for airdrop and airlift operations to service
Antarctica during the winter season,” the DSCA says. “This will reduce the
burden on other airlift assets in Argentina,” it adds.
Cirium fleets data
shows that the Argentine air force currently operates four Lockheed Martin
C-130H tactical transports, along with two KC-130H tankers and a single
commercial L-100 airlifter. The assets are aged between 34 and 55 years.
Ingen kommentarer:
Legg inn en kommentar
Merk: Bare medlemmer av denne bloggen kan legge inn en kommentar.