The Torch: New fixed-wing SAR aircraft: Never never land

Holy crow. Remember, in 2004 the Liberal government pledged that deliveries would begin in 2005. In May 2006 then-MND O'Connor said he would be seeking Cabinet approval for a purchase within a year. In July 2007 the head of the Air Force said "...proposals to replace the country’s aging fleet of fixed-wing search and rescue aircraft will soon be put before the government." In December 2008 MND MacKay said: "“We're hopeful we're going to move on that early in the new year." It's now June 2009 and it's back to the spec board. What a mess:

Defence Department under fire over $3B plane contract

The Defence Department has been forced to reconsider its requirements for choosing new search-and-rescue planes for the Canadian military amid accusations the process was rigged, CBC News has learned.

The department started searching for new aircraft to replace its aging fleet in 2002. Its requirements were so stringent that only one aircraft in the world — the C-27J by Italy's Alenia — could meet them, sources told the CBC.

That automatically excluded other credible competitors, they said.

For example, the C-295 — a plane made by the Spanish company EADS — was excluded because its cabin was 15 centimetres too short and its maximum cruising speed 12 knots too slow. Montreal-based Bombardier's Dash 8 was an option, but without a rear ramp it was out, too.

Industry Canada hit the brakes

However, the department is now re-examining those requirements after Industry Canada refused to let the procurement — worth $3 billion — proceed.

"So everyone is seized with that; what we're trying to do now is get everyone in the comfort zone as to how the bidding process will work, being as inclusive as possible without compromising on the requirements," Defence Minister Peter MacKay said Tuesday.

Typically, three government departments are involved in military procurement:

* Defence decides what it needs.
* Public Works designs the contracts.
* Industry Canada makes sure the deal is good for Canadian industry by ensuring that companies here benefit — either through direct contracts to build parts or the planes themselves, or through promises by foreign companies to spend the value of the contract in this country...

Industry Canada's decision to call the requirements into question opens the door for Viking Air, a small aircraft manufacturer in Sidney, B.C...

This post gives details on the aircraft involved and the secondary transport role for the planes that the Air Force would like. Politics, bloody procurement and industrial benefits politics. And one sure hopes the Air Force didn't overcook the books on the specs.

Update: From E.R. Campbell at Milnet.ca:

This is, essentially, a public relations “war” between a small handful of defence contractors and three Conservative ministers: The Hon. Peter MacKay, The Hon. Tony Clement and The Hon. Christian Paradis. All three ministers have ambitions within the Conservative Party.

There may also be a bit of a feud between some very senior civil servants: in departments and, also, in the political centre (Privy Council Office (PCO), Finance and Treasury Board (TB)). A forthcoming change in PCO clerks might well spell changes (promotions and resignations) amongst deputy ministers. Ambition does focus the mind.

I, of course, have never seen the specs and even if I had I would be unqualified to comment on them – being neither a pilot/SAR specialist nor an aerospace engineer. I’m hoping – for the sake of the military’s overall credibility – that the Air Force can and will justify, line by line, the requirements that led to those specs. But I’m guessing that it will be an uphill struggle. I think the IC, PWGSC and industry press agents will find it easier to plant stories about jobs – or lack of same – in regions than to discuss airspeed requirements and time to search area and so on.

Upperdate: MND MacKay responds. Good on him, now let's see how much clout he has in Cabinet:

MacKay defends military's role in $3B plane deal

Defence Minister Peter MacKay lashed out at allegations that his department rigged a $3-billion contract for new aircraft in favour of an Italian airplane manufacturer.

His remarks came after CBC News reported Tuesday that Industry Canada had ordered the military to re-examine its requirements for new search-and-rescue planes because of the allegations. The federal Public Works Department also opposed the deal for the same reason.

In an exclusive interview with CBC News in his Parliament Hill office Tuesday, MacKay said military requirements for the new aircraft were designed to save lives, not favour one manufacturer over another.

"We need to get on with the process," he said. "We, as National Defence, we have specific operational requirements [emphasis added]."

Those requirements are well thought-out and include the distance the plane must be able to fly, its speed, cargo capacity and ability to allow search and rescue technicians to parachute out into dark nights, over stormy oceans or rough Arctic terrain, he said.

"All of those requirement go into defining what type of aircraft we need. It's not tailored for any particular company."..

MacKay said his department is willing to meet with airplane manufacturers to discuss the military's requirements as it seeks to replace its aging search-and-rescue fleet.

"Our requirements are based on performance and ability to do the job. It's as basic as that, and we know what's at stake — people's lives."

Uppestdate: From blogwatcher at Milnet.ca:

...
Both the Hellenic Air Force (Greece) and the Italian Air Force use the C-27J for search and rescue. Italy does have other aircraft for maritime patrol (I believe they are Alenia's ATR-42 and 72s) just like Canada has the Auroras for MPA.

This was in the press release on the 12th C-27J being delivered to the Italian Air Force:

"The C-27Js replace the AMI fleet of G.222s, from which they have inherited capability and excellent operating performances displayed in operations both in Italy and overseas for the transport of troops and materials, civilian protection, airdrop of cargo and paratroopers, fire fighting, and search and rescue."

The last line of this web page on the HAF's 354 Tactical Squadron (http://www.haf.gr/en/structure/units/day/units/354mtm.asp) says:

"The incorporation of the C-27J, an advanced technology aircraft, opens new ways to the tactical transportation section for the military operations. Also C-27J contributes to the public sector, with search and rescue, humanitarian aid, and medical evacuation missions."..

Beyond Uppestdate: