A Z-9C with KLC-1-Equipped Nosecone Source: Public Domain A Z-9C with KLC-1-Equipped Nosecone Source: Public Domain Close

Little is known about KLC-1 production, either for domestic Chinese use or internationally. The radar's platform, the Harbin Z-9C helicopter, sails on board the Chinese Navy's Type 54 and Type 54A frigates, alongside the competing Kamov Ka-28 helicopter. From this information, a limited, yet educated, forecast can be extrapolated for the radar's China-destined production. However, any forecast that Forecast International provides in its services regarding the KLC-1's use in the Chinese Navy is still very speculative.

Information on international KLC-1 use is slightly more reliable than information on domestic use.

Countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America compose the KLC-1's core market. These areas tend to have a large enough military budget to afford a specialty system like the KLC-1, but not necessarily a top-shelf U.S. or European product.

Additionally, these limited market areas tend to be a focus for Chinese diplomatic/economic expansion. To win local favor, China is known to offer discounted military packages, and will sometimes provide outright gifts.

To date, Bangladesh and Pakistan are known to have ordered the KLC-1. Venezuela is an unconfirmed, but probable, purchaser.

Additional international customers are expected to emerge. The navies of China-aligned Asian countries are likely clients, as are strategic economic partners in Africa and U.S.-interest-averse countries in Latin America and to a far lesser extent, anti-U.S. countries in the Middle East.

Limited production of the CETC KLC-1 is expected over the next 10 years, averaging approximately four units per year. Most of the production will be in the earlier years; by the mid-2020s, production will be in decline, as China focuses on more advanced, next-generation systems.

Reports on and forecasts for the KLC-1 and other similar products are available through Forecast International's Airborne Electronics Forecast and Radar Systems Forecast products. A report on the KLC-1's primary platform, the Harbin Z-9 helicopter is also available to clients through the Rotorcraft Forecast. For an upgraded experience, extended 15-year production and funding forecasts related to these reports and others can also be procured on an hourly-updated basis through Forecast International's Platinum Forecast System, which also provides users with many graphical interpretations of relevant data.

New FTD will allow helo crews to practice ship deck landings Source: CAE New FTD will allow helo crews to practice ship deck landings Source: CAE Close

The contract also includes the provision of long-term maintenance and support services upon delivery of the simulator to RNZAF Base Ohakea in 2020. The contract for the CAE 700MR Series NH90 FTD and through-life support services, including options, is valued at more than C$50 million.

CAE recently launched the new CAE 700 Mission Reality (MR) Series FTD at the Farnborough Airshow. The CAE 700MR is designed specifically for military helicopter flight and mission training.

"Increased use of New Zealand-based simulators is the best way to train and sustain the number of pilots in the fleet," said New Zealand Minister for Defence Ron Mark. "The availability of in-country simulator-based flight training will reduce the need to use NH90s for training flights, ensuring the helicopters are available for more operational tasking."

The CAE 700MR Series FTD offers an immersive and realistic training environment in a fixed-based platform that includes a dynamic seat for vibration and motion cueing. The RNZAF NH90 simulator will feature the CAE Medallion-6000XR image generator and an extreme field-of-view visual display system (240 degrees horizontal by 88 degrees vertical) ideal for practicing and rehearsing high-risk maneuvers such as ship deck and confined area landings.

CAE currently provides the NZDF with training support services on a range of platforms, including the T-6C ground-based training systems at RNZAF Base Ohakea and the SH-2G(I) helicopter training systems located at RNZAF Base Auckland.

Source: Pratt & Whitney Source: Pratt & Whitney Close

Helipark Manutenção Aeronáutica Ltda. will offer line maintenance support as well as mobile repair team (MRT) field services.

As part of its expanding regional support strategy, P&WC appointed RICO Taxi Aereo Ltda.and ABA Manutenção de Aeronaves Ltda. as Designated Maintenance Facilities in 2017 to support PT6A customers in Brazil as well as local agricultural customers.

P&WC’s extensive support network in the region also includes the P&WC Do Brasil maintenance facility, the Covington Aircraft Engines Inc.’s PT6A Satellite, a P&WC parts distribution centre located in Sorocaba, seven Field Support Representatives (FSRs), and specialized Mobile Repair Teams.

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