The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is seeking the maintenance of the airframe systems of five of its McDonnell Douglas MG-520 ‘Defender’ attack helicopters.
Announced through its Bids and Awards Committee, the air force is currently looking for suppliers who would be capable of delivering spare parts required for upgrading the airframe systems, reported The Philippine News Agency.
In a bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System, BAC chief brigadier general Nicolas Parilla said a pre-bid conference will be held on 9 June at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines.
Currently, a few of the Defender helicopters have been deployed in the ongoing clearing operations against remnants of the Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur, Philippines.
The maintenance project will be carried out for a sum of PHP7.47m ($151,099) and will include MG-520 helicopters with tail numbers 395, 438, 439, 503 and 507.
The PAF received its first 25 units of the MG-520 aircraft in the early 1990's.
Derived from the MG-500 light utility helicopter, the MG-520 can be equipped with .50 calibre heavy machines and air-to-ground rockets.
According to military sources, the PAF operates 12 to 16 models of the MG-520.
In February last year, the PAF allotted a sum of PHP39.95m ($808,089) to buy spare parts required for the maintenance of the engine, electrical, airframe, fuel and instrument system of one of its MG-520 helicopters, reported Update Philippines.
