"Helicopter Options
With its $443m budget, Hungary will be able to buy, build and maintain a force of around 12 to 15 tactical helicopters, supported by specialised equipment such as hoists, a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) imaging system and mini-guns along with appropriate base infrastructure, such as new hangars, and training facilities including simulators and other ground-based training aids. The leading contender is the S-70i Black Hawk International, manufactured in Poland by Sikorsky and PZL-Mielec (see above), its candidacy stemming from the HuAF’s interaction with US Army UH-60s in Afghanistan and Hungary’s aim to integrate more closely with US and NATO forces.
Hungary’s selection may also be influenced by which aircraft Poland chooses for an imminent 70-aircraft tactical helicopter order: if the Poles opt for the S-70i too, there could be reduced unit costs, joint training and maintenance and even operational opportunities. Slovakia and the Czech Republic are also watching Poland’s selection as they consider their own future helicopter purchases to replace ageing Soviet- era types. The four nations constitute the Visegrad Group, also known as the V4, which includes a defence co-operation component.
The next contender is the NH Industries NH90TTH. New NH90s would probably be too expensive for Hungary but a more affordable option would be to buy early production models in service with Germany’s Bundeswehr (armed forces), which would be replaced with new- builds. Germany recently reduced its NH90 purchase from 122 to 82, so any additional orders would go a long way towards assuaging NH Industries. However, even operating and maintaining second-hand NH90s may be more of a challenge than Hungary is willing to take on. Any transfer of German NH90s would likely be limited to less than 12, with augmentation by a number of EC135s for training, utility and civil support missions.
Another option is the AgustaWestland (AW) AW149 – if a price competitive with the S-70i’s can be negotiated. The AW149 is up against the S-70i for the Polish contract and, as part of its bid, AW subsidiary PZL-Zwidnik is proposing to build the model in Poland to reduce costs. But it would take several years to start production in Poland whereas Black Hawk Internationals are already rolling off the line. To bridge the gap, AW is likely to offer an initial batch of more expensive Italian-built AW149s.
Also likely to interest Hungary is Eurocopter’s Polish bid with its EC725 Caracal. Like the NH90, however, its high unit cost would probably limit the number for Hungary to less than 12 – although, as with a German NH90 offer, augmentation with EC135s or EC145s for domestic utility missions might make the Eurocopter option more affordable.
The last contender is the latest, refined version of the Mi-17, the Mi-17V-5, which is now in production for several customers including the Indian Air Force. This could incorporate advanced features from the civil Mi-171A2 variant now being vigorously marketed by Russian Helicopters, including: new VK-2500PS-03 engines with more output to improve overall performance and load- carrying capacity; a modified swashplate and main rotor hub linked to new composite main rotors and an X-shaped tail rotor; an enhanced transmission system; and a night- vision goggles (NVG)-compatible glass cockpit featuring five multifunctional displays, GPS and a digital autopilot.
The downside is that all these modern systems and components will increase the price of a Mi-17V-5, bringing it closer to the S-70i or a Polish-built AW149. That said, the Russian helicopter offers greater load capacity and some performance advantages over smaller helicopters like the Black Hawk or the AW149.
Understandably, there is considerable support within the HDF for new Mi-17s, which are well known and liked by air and ground crews and the troops they support. The experience gained training Afghans on new American-procured Mi-171s only reinforced this opinion. However, the Hungarian Government is probably not inclined to ‘go Russian’ due to political considerations and its desire for greater interoperability with first-tier NATO forces, particularly the Americans."
