New Era in Turkey and AgustaWestland Relations
Defence Turkey: Mr. Ross Kelly, you have taken up a position as Head of Region of AgustaWestland Turkey and as General Manager of the Ankara Office therefore we wish you great success in your new appointment. Could you please tell about yourself briefly?
First of all I am very pleased to be working and living in Turkey as I have visited many times for business reasons in the past and now I am lucky to be able to spend much more time here for both business and leisure. For business I have the opportunity to use my experience to benefit both Turkey and AgustaWestland. I have been with AgustaWestland for over 20 years and I have visited many countries promoting all of our helicopters to Government customers. I have a lot of experience with industrial collaborations and technology transfer programs, this includes the AW101 helicopter with Kawasaki in Japan and the ATAK Program here in Turkey. I also have previously worked and lived in Italy and the USA. My first working experience was with the Royal Air Force as an Avionics Engineer so I also know very well the needs of the end user when it comes to supporting the helicopters so that they are available to fly.
Defence Turkey: How will AgustaWestland Turkey Office be formed with you in this new era? What will be your vision?
The primary objective for AgustaWestland in Turkey is to build upon the successful partnership of the ATAK collaboration. The teamwork with TAI and Aselsan to design and develop and produce the T129 helicopter in Turkey in the time that it has taken is an incredible achievement by all concerned. We seek to expand our industrial co-operations with all the Turkish Armed Forces Foundation and SME companies for the domestic and export markets.
Defence Turkey: AgustaWestland is one of the five companies which has received RFP dossier for the Coast Guard Utility Helicopter Project of the Coast Guard Command. The companies will be submitting their proposals until June 16, 2014. With which platform do you plan to participate in this tender? What are the advantages of the platform you plan to propose amongst those of your competitors?
AgustaWestland shall be proposing its successful AW101 helicopter. It has recently selected by Norway for its search and rescue requirements and has been accomplishing demanding SAR missions in Canada, Denmark and Portugal for years. The AW101 offers the largest, and most versatile cabin in its class; exceptional multi-role capability through extensive use of modular role equipment, and the intrinsic design of the 3 engine architecture ensures maximum safety and OEI performance during prolonged overwater operations.
Defence Turkey: In addition to the procurement of four helicopters, plus two optional, the tender also includes spare part, ground support, technical assistance/support, ILS products and services. Besides there are industrial participation and offset liabilities in the tender. You have performed successful cooperation with SSM and Turkish companies in ATAK program, which is one of the important programs of Turkey. What do you think the advantages of this successful cooperation will be compared to your competitors?
What the ATAK Program has given to AgustaWestland is the opportunity to demonstrate that it is truly committed to working with SSM and its Turkish industry partners to deliver high technology rotorcraft that deliver the capabilities that the armed forces require. We see Turkey as an important strategic market, which is why we have a dedicated office and team of people here, to offer the best solutions for Turkey’s helicopter requirements, not just the platform but also support and training which are increasingly important elements.
Defence Turkey: The first Early Delivery T-129 Helicopter has been delivered – congratulations for that. The delivery of the remaining helicopters is planned to continue in the forthcoming period. How is the ATAK Program progressing from AgustaWestland’s perspective?
The first Early Delivery Helicopter was delivered on 22 April to the TLF and this is a major achievement and milestone for everyone concerned in the success of the ATAK program. The ATAK Program is a collaborative venture between TAI, Aselsan, Roketsan and AgustaWestland, with TAI as the prime contractor. We are very pleased with the progress and that deliveries of the helicopters has commenced. This program has demonstrated how AgustaWestland and Turkish industry can work together to deliver a highly capable weapon system to the Land Forces, bring major industrial benefits and importantly transfer of new technology and capability to Turkey.
Defence Turkey: Turkey entitles the sales of T-129 ATAK helicopters as part of the collaboration to third countries except Italy and England. As AgustaWestland, what is your business share in the sales of such helicopters to foreign countries? Besides, what is the cooperation like between AgustaWestland and TAI in terms of sales to third countries?
The collaboration between TAI and AgustaWestland includes the joint marketing of the T-129 helicopter anywhere in the world. There are a number of opportunities that both TAI and AgustaWestland are pursuing together in the export market and as you know the T129 made its first appearance at an international airshow in Bahrain earlier this year. In addition the Turkish Government is also promoting export sales through its relationships with other Governments. It is truly a joint effort. The T129 is a highly capable, versatile and cost effective attack helicopter which provides a lower cost option to larger and heavier competing models.
Defence Turkey: Recently, Turkey has been promoting indigenous development especially for avionics and sub-systems and making important moves on such topic. How is your cooperation with Turkish Defence Industry companies on this topic? Could you please tell us your approach?
The Turkish aerospace and defense industry has made major progress in recent years and is now an important player in the international market. At AgustaWestland we continually evaluate what systems, avionics, sensors, weapons etc are available in the market place so that we can offer our customers around the world the most suitable and cost effective solutions.
Defence Turkey: In addition to T-129 program, you have a successful cooperation with TAI within the scope of AW 139 program. Can you tell us how this is developing?
TAI is a key supplier for AW139 airframes that support our final assembly lines in Italy, United States and most recently our joint venture ‘Helivert’ in Russia. The AW139 is the best selling helicopter in its class and has taken 56% of the market in the last five years and continues to dominate the 6-tonne market. We are very pleased with TAI’s work and our cooperation on this project and others is likely to expand in the future.
Defence Turkey: Mr. Ross Kelly, what would you like to say regarding opportunities with non-governmental organizations, governmental organizations and public security agencies?
AgustaWestland has the most modern range of twin-engine helicopters of any manufacturer in the world and we are the first manufacturer to introduce a family concept across the 4 to 8 tonne weight catergories with the AW169, AW139 and AW189 helicopters. This family concept offers support and training advantages due to the commonality to operators of more than one type. These ‘dual use’ platforms can be used for commercial as well as public service and governmental applications so we see good potential for these products in Turkey for a number of roles such as VIP transport, fire fighting, law enforcement, emergency medical services etc.
Defence Turkey: Would you like to add some remarks for Defence Turkey readers?
AgustaWestland has demonstrated its willingness and flexibility to collaborate with industrial partners around the world. Turkey is a very important country for AgustaWestland and I look forward to continuing the AgustaWestland story through additional collaborations in Turkey. There is a mutual benefit for all parties with Turkey’s need for helicopters and indigenous capabilities and AgustaWestland’s many years of helicopter experience and a very modern high technological product range. AgustaWestland is very proud to be developing new platforms and innovations for the market: the AW189 8-tonne class helicopter has recently achieved EASA type certification; the AW169 5-tonne class helicopter will achieve EASA type certification this year with both helicopters already having significant orders. The military ‘AW149’, which shares a common platform with the successful AW189, is on target to achieve military certification this year by the relevant military authorities in Italy; we also are developing a tilt-rotor platform AW609 and developing the civil certification rules for this innovation. I do hope that Turkey and AgustaWestland can work together to provide helicopters and supporting products to both the domestic and export markets. Finally and on a personal note it is a pleasure to be in Turkey and I am already enjoying the business relationships and activities, long may it continue with good success.
