Details and Analysis of the PAF's Search and Rescue Seaplane Acquisition Project

For those asking if its true that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is looking for a "seaplane", the answer is yes, the DND confirms it. The Philippine Air Force is in need of 3 brand-new Search and Rescue Seaplanes, which was announced by the DND through an Invitation to Bid released only this November 2013. The initial information are as follows:

Budget: Php 2.67 billion (around US$ 61 million);
Delivery: 540 days after opening of Letter of Credit (around 18 months or 1.5 years);
Pre-Bid Conference: November 15, 2013;
Bid Submission and Opening: November 29, 2013;
Must include Integrated Logistics Support (ILS) package.

Viking Air's Twin Otter Guardian 400 is being pitched to the Philippine government for some time now and appears to be on top of the list for this project.
Photo taken from Viking Air website.

As usual, the same pre-conditions are made by the DND as with other bidding projects, including provisions that suppliers must be manufacturers themselves, and that product is used by armed forces of country of origin or of 2 other foreign armed forces. According to the PAF's listing of Status of Modernization Projects, the project will be funded by the Philippines' Department of Energy (DOE) and Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) remittances. 

Seaplane:
But first of all, what is a seaplane? 

A seaplane, in general term, is a fixed-wing aircraft capable of taking-off and landing on water. For the PAF it is expected that their requirement will be for the aircraft to be able to land on normal airstrips as well, thus making it an amphibian aircraft. This is further divided into categories depending on their characteristics, which include floatplanes and flying boats. To simplify, we'll use these specific terms on this blog topic.


Historical Background of Seaplanes in the AFP:
The PAF is not a stranger to operating seaplanes, as it previously operated at least 2 types in large numbers. The PAF first operated the Consolidated PBY Catalina, handed over by the US government during the time of President Elpidio Quirino in the early 1950s and were used mostly for maritime surveillance and SAR duties. The PAF also operated the Grumman HU-16 Albatross flying boats provided by the US government as SAR aircraft 

One of the PAF's PBY Catalina flying boats in the 1950s.
Photo taken from Col. Francis Neri's Facebook page provided to him by Mr. Gerry Aquino.

One of the PAF's Grumman HU-16A Albatross flying boats, used in the SAR role.
Photo taken from PAF Aerospace Museum collection c/o IPMS Philippines.

Aside from the PAF, the Philippine Navy also operated seaplanes before in the form of a Stearman PT-13 floatplane from 1951, and the de Havilland U-6 (DHC-2) Beaver floatplane, wherein 3 units were delivered on December 1960. These were used to support naval operations including surveillance, utility and SAR as well.

One of the Philippine Navy's Stearman PT-13 floatplane.
Photo taken from PN-Naval Air Group website.

One of the DHC-2 Beaver floatplanes operated by the Philippine Navy several decades ago.
Photo taken from DHC-2.com blogs.

PAF's New SAR Seaplane Requirements:
The Technical Specifications of the project was released this November by the DND, and MaxDefense summarizes the content, as follows:

- The requirement is for 3 brand-new seaplanes for the Philippine Air Force's 505th Search and Rescue Group; and will be used for Aero Medical Evacuation, Search and Rescue (SAR) Operations, and for Passenger transport;
- For Aero Medical Evacuation configuration, the plane must be able to accommodate at least 4 stretchers and reconfigured to accommodate 2 stretchers;
- For Search and Rescue operations, the aircraft must be equipped with the Day and Night Electro Optical Infrared (EO/IR), a stow-able 15 million candle power search light, multi-mode AESA long range search radar, direction finder/homing system, and can carry 2 units of 10-man inflatable life raft;
- For Passenger configuration, it must be able to carry 19 seated passengers excluding the operators, and must have folding utility seats;
- Must be powered by 2 engines, either jet or turboprop that uses Jet A-1 fuel, and can sustain flight at maximum payload with only 1 engine in case of emergency;
- A minimum range of 600 nautical miles without refueling excluding reserve fuel;
- A minimum endurance of 6 hours at cruising speed;
- Minimum cruising speed of 120 knots TAS;
- Capable of loading a minimum payload weight of 5,000 lbs.;
- Must have a cabin door dimension of 4.0ft width x 3.0 feet height, able to accommodate entry and exit of stretchers, and must be air operable door at low cruise speed;
- As a seaplane, must be capable of withstanding wave height of at least Sea State 4 or 1 meter high;
- A service ceiling of at least 10,000 feet at International Standard Atmosphere Condition (ISA +20 degrees Celsius);
- Maximum take-off and landing distance of 2,500 feet to clear a 50-foot obstacle on maximum take-off weight at sea level;
- Other items included are 2 units air droppable, nylon fabric SAR rafts; 4 foldable stretchers, 19 life vests, 
- Communications equipment to include 1 high frequency radio and 2 multi-band radios that are capable of VHF AM/FM, UHF, HF and Marine bands;
- Other system features include GPS, weather radar, distance measuring equipment, VOL/ILS, satellite broadband communications system, ADAHRS or equivalent system, terrain avoidance warning system, traffic collision avoidance system, mutli-function display;
-Other physical features include an underwing bubble window, rear lavatory; forward operator work stations;
- Integrated Logistics Support included, including spares for 2 years, tools, diagnostic equipment, training program, publications and support information, and ground support equipment;
- 2 years warranty per aircraft from time of acceptance.

The SAR Seaplane will follow the paint scheme indicated above. High visibility for search & rescue missions.
Photo taken from DND SAR Seaplane Tech. Specs.

Possible Candidates:
The budget allocated by the DND at $20 million per aircraft automatically disqualifies most SAR-configured flying boats in the market today like the Japanese ShinMaywa US-2 which reportedly costs more or less $100 million, the Bombardier 415 Superscooper which reportedly cost above $30 million, and the large Russian Beriev B-200 Altair which is also way above the budget.

The favorite seaplane, the Japanese ShinMaywa US-2 flying boat, is too expensive and is definitely out of the race, but with Japan's recent relaxation on exports of aircraft plus soft loans, it may be attainable in the future.
Photo taken from ShinMaywa website.

Smaller flying boats like the Dornier Seastar and the Antilles G-21G Super Goose also come into mind, but due to its small size and inability to meet the specified requirements that require a larger cabin size, the Seastar and Super Goose are definitely out of the bidding.

The Dornier Seastar (above) and Antilles Super Goose (below) are both flying boats, but their size is smaller than what the PAF requires, thus are unable to meet the requirements.
Photo taken from Airventure website (above) and Antilla Seaplanes website (below).

With no other flying boat models around to fit the requirement, we now turn to floatplanes. The most actively marketed SAR floatplane in the market now is the Viking Air's Twin Otter Guardian 400, which is a highly modified version of the de Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter. MaxDefense earlier indicated in an earlier blog regarding the PAF's Light Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft acquisition project that Viking Air's Philippine distributor was even offering the standard Twin Otter for the said project as well as other requirements within the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard for light transport, maritime patrol and surveillance purposes.

Another floatplane is the Cessna Caravan Amphibian. But it immediately fails to meet the requirement due to its being a single-engine aircraft (the requirement is for 2 engines), and its inability to meet the needed passenger capacity and cabin size.

The Cessna Caravan Amphibian is a close competitor but does not conform to even the PAF's general requirement for number of engines, cabin size, and other requirements.
Photo taken from Cessna website.

Does the offer from Viking Air fit the requirements? Based on the general requirements, yes the DHC-6 Twin Otter Guardian 400 fits the bill. First of all, it is a purposely-built SAR and surveillance aircraft and is the variant expect to be used for military and law enforcement purposes. It has twin engines, a cabin size and door size that fits the requirements of the PAF, and the can meet the required endurance, range, payload, take-off and landing requirements, and speed. It has the bubble canopy winows, and yes, the Guardian 400 can be fitted with a lavatory.

As for the mission requirements, it is worth noting that the Guardian 400 can be option fitted to carry most of the PAF's requirements, like the search radar, air operable doors, search light, and EO/IR sensors.

The Twin Otter Guardian 400's mission packages all conform to what the PAF is looking for. And it can be fitted with the lavatory as required!
Photo taken from Viking Air Twin Otter Guardian 400 brochure.

It is quite interesting as well that the PAF is looking for an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for the SAR Seaplane, which will actually be the first PAF aircraft that will probably have this technology. Although it can be used for SAR missions to search for ships and crashed aircrafton the surface, the aircraft can also be used to monitor ships and movements along the West Philippine Sea, Sulu Sea and corridors between the southern Philippines and eastern Malaysia & Indonesia as the aircraft can be configured for such mission.

With regards to this, it is also interesting to note that the PAF also recently released a public bidding for Basing and Hangarage Project for the SAR assets at Sanga-Sanga air station in Tawi-Tawi, and in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The Invitation to Bid for the said basing project indicates the use to support in SAR and maritime security protection of the Malampaya gas project, Reed Bank (which is expected to be developed soon) and a future Sulu Oil Rig, thus reinforcing the possibility of using the seaplanes for maritime patrol as well.

So is the Twin Otter Guardian 400 a sure winner?

Possibly yes, since it's the only aircraft that seems to fit the budget, requirements, and the roles needed by the PAF. Vietnamese Navy is also another user of the Twin Otter Guardian 400 and is used for SAR and maritime patrols as well. Malaysia is said to be taking the aircraft into consideration for its own security requirements in its western corridors. Although It  is possible for the PAF to opt for the cheaper standard DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400, it may not be worth to do the modifications considering that the Guardian 400 is already custom built for such missions. The only items that need to be confirmed with Viking Air is their compliance to documentation and financial requirements which was the stumbling block for some bidders in other DND projects.

Vietnam also uses the Twin Otter Guardian 400, which were delivered in 2013.
Photo taken from twinotterspotter blogs.

If purchased, Viking Air can also be in a good position to push for the seaplane and standard Twin Otter Series 400 to other military branches and government agencies which may use standardization to consider the aircraft. MaxDefense believes that the PN and PCG are possibly considering the standard version of whatever wins the seaplane project to complement and replace its elder BN-2 Islanders of the Naval Air Group.

MaxDefense will be posting updates regarding this project, and is expecting this to be completed faster than the other projects of the DND.The specifications of the Search and Rescue Seaplane acquisition project can be downloaded HERE.

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UPDATES:

December 5, 2013:
Bid opening was moved from November 29, 2013 to December 6, 2013. This was indicated in the recent Supplemenetal Bid Bulletin No. AFP-PAF-SARSAP-13-01 dated November 20, 2013.

Also, the DND made some changes in the technical requirements of the project covered by the Supplemental Bid Bulletin No. AFP-PAF-SARSAP-13-02 dated November 25, 2013, with the following changes on the specifications:

- Funding will not come from an allocated Special Allotment Release Order (SARO);
- Deletion of winning bidder's shouldering of pre-delivery inspection;
- Capability to withstand wave height of at least 1 meter, previously indicated as sea state 4;
- Radar altimeter operating height above ground level of at least 2,500 feet, previously indicated as maximum operating height;
- Spare parts warranty reduced to 2 years from 5 years;
- Aircraft for delivery can now be used to train the end user's pilots, previously supplier must provide a separate aircraft;
- Addition of 2 Tug Tractor for pushing/pulling the seaplanes, ;
- Deletion of some post-bid documents;

The said document also shows some of the queries made by Viking Air Ltd., the manufacturer of the DHC-6 Twin Otter Guardian 400. It also validates that Viking Air is indeed offering its Twin Otter Guardian 400 series, as speculated in the blog.

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AW109E Power accepted as PAF's Next Helicopter Gunship

The Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) recently confirmed that they have awarded a contract to the Italian-Anglo firm AgustaWestland to supply 8 so-called "Attack Helicopters" to the Philippine Air Force using its AW109E Power variant. The award was provided by DND to AgustaWestland last month after successfully passing the post-bid qualifications as set by the DND's requirements and Technical Specifications. A contract signing was also confirmed by AgustaWestland in their latest news posted in their company website, and reported in Philippine news.

The AgustaWestland AW109 Power, ordered by the PAF for its light attack helicopter requirement.
Photo taken from AgustaWestland website.

The DND also explained in an interview to DND USec. Fernando Manalo on October 28, 2013 that the purchase of similar helicopters for the navy and air force will help in the ease of maintenance, training, and acquisition of spare parts. From how Mr. Manalo explained his point, it appears that there are intentions for the PN and PAF to have a common logistics support system and training simulator facility for the AW109E.

There are no released information yet on specific line items to be included in the deal, like the engine model to be used  (the AW109 Power is powered by either 2 x Turbomeca Arrius 2K1 from France, or 2 x Pratt & Whitney PW206C engines from the USA), but it would be best to consider that they will have similar baseline specifications as the Philippine Navy's AW109E Power, which were ordered earlier as multi-role shipboard helicopters.

The Turbomeca Arrius engine, a similar model is used for the AW109 Power although we're not sure yet if the same engine will be used for the PAF's AW109 Power.
Photo from Safran-Turbomeca website.

There are also no word yet if the PAF armed variant will have its own designation later on, or will it retain the "E" designation as originally provided by AgustaWestland.


Purpose & Effectiveness:
The PAF has requested for new helicopter gunships that will complement and eventually replace the MD Helicopters MD-520MG, which has been in service since the early 1990s. At more than 20 years old, these MD-520MG's helicopters are scheduled to undergo a Mid-Life Update (MLU) program which will see them operate for 10 or so years more. The program includes capability upgrades like night flying capability, airframe re-timing and repair, engine overhaul or replacement, and mechanical/electrical system works. Some helicopters are reportedly already undergoing portions of the said MLU program, while other aircraft units are awaiting for the AW109Es to be delivered before undergoing the program. If the PAF find the AW109E capable enough and meet their requirements, we can expect additional orders to be made in the near future as possible replacement for the MD-520MG.

Like the MD-520MG, the AW109 Power's primary duty will be to provide air support to ground forces, with secondary duties to include air surveillance and search operations. But unlike the MD-520MG, the AW109E's larger size makes it capable to also do search and rescue, light transport for troops and supplies, and medical evacuation (MEDEVAC).

In terms of payload and weapons carrying capability, the AW109 Power are required to have at least 2 hardpoints per side for rockets and gun pods, plus 7.62mm door guns. This is more than what the MD-520MGs can carry which only has 1 hardpoint per side. The AW109 Power will be initially armed with PAF-standard rocket launchers and gun pods, but these helicopters can be upgraded and wired when required to carry anti-tank missiles and guided rockets like the Advanced Precision Kill Weapons System (APKWS) which are compatible with the Hydra 70 rockets widely used by the PAF. This will be up to the PAF's decision in the future.

The guidance system for the APKWS guided rocket system. The PAF is expected to be a future user of this system, being a longtime user of Hydra 70 unguided rockets.

The AW109 Power also has better performance envelop in terms of speed, range, service ceiling, endurance and payload compared to the smaller MD-520MG. As specified, the AW109 Power shall be equipped with a night fighting system with electro-optical and infra-red system, and airborne fire control system compatible to laser designator and night fighting system which the MD-520MG does not have.

In general terms of capability, the incoming AW109 Power would become the most modern helicopter gunships the PAF ever had, an improvement from the Sikorsky AUH-76 and MD Helicopters MD-520MG gunships that it currently has. But of course it has its deficiencies.


Deficiencies:
Being a helicopter based on a multi-purpose civilian design before being a adapted as a military platform, the AW109 does not have core competencies that other purpose-built attack helicopters have. With the specifications released, MaxDefense previously categorized the helicopter as a light armed scout platform and not a real attack helicopter gunship in the likes of the Boeing AH-64D Longbow Apache. It is lightly armed, unarmored, and are not designed to engage in high intensity conflicts like their pure breed gunship stablemates.

Unlike real gunships like the very much loved AH-64 Apache, the AW109 Power was not designed to take high damage from enemy fire, and are best used in "shoot & scoot" manner and effectively use its speed and size.
Photo courtesy of AgustaWestland.

In the PAF setting, the PAF's future AW109 Power is sufficient enough to tackle insurgency issues and air support to internal security operations. But that won't be the case if it confronts well armed foreign ground forces with armored assets and sufficient air defense capability. The PAF will need to upgrade them further to be able to accept anti-tank guided missile systems that will enable them to attack lightly defended armored formations in a shoot and scoot way.  

Overall:
For its intended purpose, the AW109 Power is good enough for the PAF. But MaxDefense believes that the PAF should have upped the ante by going for the slightly heavier and more expensive AW109 LUH, which was based on the Power. The LUH is configured especially for military requirements, partially armored cockpit, has more power and slightly higher performance than the basic Power model. But we can't do anything about it anymore as the deal went ahead as planned.

A good thing is that the short delivery time promised by AgustaWestland will help the PAF immediately fill up its needs, and immediately start the MLU and upgrade of its existing MD-520MG assets, some which are non-operational and stored due to airframe and mechanical component issues.

We might expect the PAF AW109 Power to look similar to the Malaysian Army's AW109 LUH (shown above).
Photo taken from malaysianflyingherald.wordpress.com.

Congratulations to the PAF, AFP and DND for finally finishing the bid for new attack helicopters. Let's all wait if AgustaWestland can really keep its promise of sending the 1st batches of the helicopters before the end of 2014.

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Tech Specs Released for PAF's Medium Lift Fixed Wing Transport Aircraft - Is there a Sure Winner?

Just right after MaxDefense posted the blog regarding the Php 5.3 billion Medium Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft acquisition project, PhilGEPS made available the Technical Specifications for the said project. Earlier it was discussed that this is the key to know who will be eligible to join the race and probably know who will win as well.

The Alenia Aerospace C-27J Spartan, one of the expected competitors for the Medium Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft program.
Photo taken from Wikimedia.

Here is the summary of the Technical Specifications for the said program:

- Requirement is for 3 brand-new units, and will be used for Airborne Operations, Aero-Medical Evacuation, Passenger Transport, and Limited Maritime Patrol and Search and Rescue Operations;
- For the aircraft to do such missions, it has to be equipped with paratroop seats, capable of static and free fall paradrop operations, must be able to accomodate at least twelve (12) litters, must accommodate at least 40 seated passengers, and must be convertible from full-cabin military transport to maritime patrol aircraft;
- A minimum range of 950 nautical miles (nm) without refueling;
- A minimum payload of 11,000 pounds (lbs) with maximum fuel load;
- An endurance of at least 4 hours and 30 minutes;
- A minimum crusing speed of 230 knots and a service ceiling of at least 25,000 feet;
- Must be capable of loading at least four (4) palletized cargo with dimensions of 2.5m x 2.0m x 1.6m and has a ramp loading capability;
- Short Take-off and Landing Capable, maximum of 1,000m length;
- Communications to include VHF-AM/FM/Marine Band and HF radios and provision for future upgrades;
- Autopilot capable, with GPS, Traffic Collision Avoidance System, Ground Proximity Warning System, Colored Weather Radar, Glass Cockpit;
- Programmed to fly 500 hours/year for thirty (30) years;
- Paint Scheme to follow the current Fokker F-27s with the 220th Airlift Wing (white and grey, as indicated).

According to the technical specifications, the paint scheme shown above will be followed for the Medium Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft requirement.
Photo taken from DND.

As discussed before, there are 3 expected competitors which already made known their interest to join the bidding: 

1. Alenia Aerospace (Italy) with the C-27J Spartan,
2. EADS/CASA - Airbus Military (Spain/EU) with the C-295,
3. PT Dirgantara Indonesia / Indonesian Aerospace (PT DI / IAe) with the CN-235.

(Discussions regarding the 3 aircraft models are discussed HERE). 

Looking at the above summarized specifications, MaxDefense believes that all 3 aircraft meet the required range, payload, cruising speed, endurance, and STOL requirements. All 3 can also do the required mission profiles, although it appears that the C-27J is weak with regards to configuration for limited Maritime Patrol since this aircraft has no MPA variants so far, unlike the CN-235 and C-295 which has palletized MPA suite as an option, although MaxDefense believes the DND/PAF won't avail of them for this program. The C-27J is also weak with regards to pricing, as the minimum requirements is enough for its 2 cheaper competitors to fit the requirement albeit a lesser capability. These 2 parameters is where the CN-235 and C-295 may beat the more capable C-27J. 

CASA-EADS's C-295 (above) is the middle-spec'd of the 3 possible competitors.
Photo taken from Wikimedia.

It is surprising though that the specifications, specifically the payload is way lower than even the smallest of the competitors, the CN-235, as MaxDefense expected the specifications to be closer to a fight between the C-27J and C-295. With a lower labor cost in Indonesia than in Western Europe (Spain & Italy), plus its smaller dimensions and lower specifications, Indonesia Aerospace's CN-235 is actually a strong candidate in this acquisition program in terms of pricing, it can definitely submit the lowest bid of all 3 candidates.

The IAe's CN-235 (above) is the cheapest of all the possible offers, but is it the aircraft to beat? Let's see in a couple of weeks.
Photo taken from Wikimedia.

But it now appears that the CN-235 and C-27J may fail the requirement on cargo capacity space. 

Although the CN-235 claims to be able to carry 4 108" length  x 88" height (2.74m length x 2.24m width) pallets, it can only do so with the ramp opened and flat, as shown on the photo below:

For the CN-235, only 3 pallets of 2.74m length each can be carried by closed ramp, and will need an open supported ramp to carry a 4th pallet, as shown above.
Photo taken from nifc.gov and EADS.

The DND requirement is for 4 pallets with dimensions of each pallet at 2.5m length x 2.0m width x 1.6m height. Thus, 4 pallets will require a little more than 10.0m cargo space length to fit. The DND is not clear though if the 4th pallet can be placed on an open but flat supported ramp. As shown on the photo below, the CN-235 only has a cabin length of 9.65 meters excluding the ramp. If including the winch, the space becomes less. 4 pallets as required by the technical specifications require a cabin space of at least 10.0 meters excluding the ramp and winch space.

The CN-235's cabin length is 9.65m excluding ramp, if including the winch (shown in orange square), the space becomes even less. 4 pallets requires at least 10 meters of cabin space length excluding ramp and winch space.
Photo taken from nifc.gov and EADS.

So it appears that the CN-235 may not be capable of meeting the cabin space requirements of the DND as specified in the technical specifications, except if the DND will accept the ramp area as a possible space. More of the report regarding the CN-235 HERE.

The Alenia C-27J Spartan may have the same problem as the CN-235 due to its short fuselage length, the aircraft being shorter than even the CN-235 by around 3.0 meters. Some sources quote the cabin length as only at 8.58 meters, shorter than CN-235's 9.65 meters including winch.

The C-27J's length is shorter than even the CN-235 although it meets the width and height requirements for cargo fuselage.

MaxDefense now believes that it could be a chance for C-295 to win the bidding. The C-295 has the same cabin width and height dimensions as the CN-235, but is 3.10m longer in the cargo fuselage portion, thus giving it a cargo space of at least 11.0 meters long and can fit 4 pallets of 2.5 meters long each as specified.

The specifications has been released and is available at PhilGEPS's website. Even with the availability of the specifications, bidders are required to pay the necessary dues to join the bid.
Photo taken from DND's Medium Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft technical specifications.

The only parameters in which will either chop off some of the bidders will be the other requirements in the specifications, specifically the Eligibility Documentation portion, where many bidders in other procurement projects fail to pass. Take note that Daewoo/Daesun failed in this portion for the Strategic Sealift Vessel (SSV) project, while Sikorsky failed in this regard for the Light Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft project.

Another parameter that needs to be given a second look are the Maintenance Requirements, which include flying hours required before overhaul of the airframe, powerplant, propeller, landing gears and other major aircraft components. These information are usually not made known publicly by aircraft manufacturers and may only be included on previous offers made to PAF and DND.

So although the C-295 seems to be the aircraft to beat in this program, we cannot finally say that until the bidding actually proceeds and everyone pass the initial requirements as indicated in the specification checklists, and also when DND makes a decision. There could still be some hook-ups along the way for any of the 3 potential bidders, although this is actually a good fight to watch.

For a public copy of the Technical Specifications, you may take from 'HERE'.


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Updates:

October 26, 2013: 
The bid submission and opening was moved from October 29, 2013 to November 11, 2013. This is according to the new Supplemental Bid Bulletin issued by the DND on October 21, 2013. No word if bidders requested the schedule change or if DND's decision.
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November 12, 2013: 
Another adjustment on the schedule for this project. The bid submission and opening was moved again, now to November 18, 2013. This is according to the new Supplemental Bid Bulletin issued by the DND on November 11, 2013. No official reason why it was moved but it is possible that the bidders requested for an extension. 
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January 14, 2014: 
Only 2 bidders submitted in the bid submission and opening for this project on January 13, 2014, namely EADS-CASA (Airbus Military) and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI / Indonesian Aerospace). Of the two entities, only EADS-CASA's bid using the C-295 was found eligible, while PT DI's bid failed to meet the requirements with its CN-235. More on MaxDefense's latest blog on this project.
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PAF's Medium Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft Program - A Simple Analysis of the 3 Contenders

With the pre bid conference started for the much anticipated bidding of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Medium Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft worth Php 5.3 billion, it is worth noting that 3 contenders were present, and they have long been anticipated to participate in this project. The following aircraft manufacturers are:

1. Alenia Aerospace (Italy) with the C-27J Spartan,
2. EADS/CASA - Airbus Military (Spain/EU) with the C-295,
3. PT Dirgantara Indonesia / Indonesian Aerospace (PT DI / IAe) with the CN-235.

For the case of Airbus Military and Indonesia Aerospace, tt's surprising to see that they will be competing separately although these companies and their products are closely related to each other, MaxDefense didn't expect them to bid separately using 2 almost similar aircraft models.

The PAF is in need of a new medium-sized transport aircraft to complement and eventually replacement the venerable Fokker F.27 aircraft (above), which lacks the capability to fill-in transport duties from the larger Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules.
Photo taken from defense-studies.blogspot.com c/o sires9094.

Brief Summary of the Contenders:
Construcciones Aeronauticas SA (CASA) was a Spanish aircraft manufacturer which tied up with Industri Pesawat Terbang Nursantara (IPTN) of Indonesia to build a medium transport aircraft which eventually became CN-235 (C for CASA, N for Nursantara). Both aircraft manufacturers eventually made changes to their organizations, with CASA eventually changing its name to EADS-CASA (with EADS being a consortium of European aerospace companies where CASA is a member), which also includes Airbus and Airbus Military in the consortium. IPTN in the meantime was restructured and was renamed PT Dergantara Indonesia, or Indonesian Aerospace in 2000. Although both have rights to the CN-235, EADS-CASA and PT DI decided to develop and market the aircraft independently after the Series 100, which includes the division of marketing between the 2 countries for the aircraft. The Philippines is actually part of PT DI's jurisdiction thus they are the one marketing the CN-235. The CN-235 is a successful military aircraft with more than 26 countries operating them in military organizations plus a few other civilian operators.

The CASA-IAe CN-235 aircraft, photo above in Spanish Air Force colors.
Photo taken from Wikimedia.

EADS-CASA further developed the CN-235 into a bigger aircraft, the C-295 (C for CASA, take note the missing "N" unlike the CN-235), which is actually a stretched and more powerful derivative of the CN-235. Being a different aircraft but almost in the same category of the CN-235, EADS-CASA's offer with the C-295 actually gives the Europeans a chance to challenge and provide an alternative to the Indonesian-built CN-235. Spain and 15 other countries operate the C-295.

The CASA-EADS C-295 aircraft, in Polish Air Force service.
Photo taken from Wikimedia.

Alenia Aerospace's C-27J Spartan is actually a derivative of the older Aeritalia G.222 medium transport aircraft from Italy. Early G.222 aircraft were sold to the US miltary, and was called the C-27A in behalf of the US military requirements. Further development of the aircraft was made, with assistance of Lockheed Martin resulting to the C-27J Spartan. It uses the same engine, propellers and many systems found on the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, thus the "J" designation. Aside from the US and Italy, 7 other countries use the C-27J, with more countries taking some interest on the aircraft.

The Alenia Aerospace C-27J Spartan of the Italian Air Force.
Photo taken from Wikimedia.

The Acquisition Project:
The 3 aircraft being offered have their strengths and weaknesses as different platforms, and the DND will have to release it's specifications that will ultimately pinpoint to who will take the project. Here's why:

The C-27J has the largest cargo capacity with almost 3 times that of the CN-235, is the fastest, longest ranged, and most expensive of the choices. MaxDefense believes that the C-27J would lose the bid if the C-295 or CN-235 are all within the specifications of the project because of high cost. The only way this aircraft would bag the project is for the specifications to be high enough for C-295 and CN-235 to impossibly possess. This is by making the most of the C-27J's strengths in terms of capacity and power.

A Lithuanian Air Force C-27J Spartan with an aerial refueling probe.
Photo taken from Wikimedia.

The C-295 is a cheaper alternative to the C-27J, but has less payload capacity and smaller fuselage size, operational range, and speed. The CN-235 has an even lesser capability than the C-295 due to its smaller size. But it is expected that the CN-235 will be the cheapest of the 3 aircraft being offered to the DND & PAF. 

Photo above shows the fuselage difference between the C-27J and C-295. The C-295 might not even be capable of taking in a Humvee which the Philippine military widely uses. This proves a disadvantage for the C-295 and CN-235 which are both smaller than the C-27J.
Photo taken from militaryphotos.net c/o Hyde.

MaxDefense believes that comparing the 3 different aircraft models is like comparing different fruits, lets say an apple to an orange and to a pear. Unlike the Light Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft Program where the competing aircraft models are closely similar, the aircraft models competing for the Medium Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft Program are not.

Ultimately the specifications will immediately say who will win as it will set the parameters into order for the 3 manufacturers. If the CN-235's dimensions and capability is enough to pass the set specifications by the DND, then it will surely win the bid due to pricing as compared to the C-295 and C-27J. Thus it would be easy to guess who will win the bid by just looking at the specifications to be released by the DND.

But MaxDefense believes that the C-27J has a lead in this project, based on previous announcements and press releases by the DND and PAF. Like the Light Lift Fixed Wing Aircraft and Surface Attack Aircraft/Lead In Fighter Trainer acquisition programs, DND's ASec Patrick Velez told Aviation Week late last year that they have already chosen the C-27J as the next medium lift transport aircraft for the PAF after evaluating it against other aircraft models like the C-295 and CN-235. This was also pointed out by reports from ABS-CBN in an earlier news report, thus making the C-27J's bid stronger compared to its competitors. Take note that so far, all aircraft models pointed out by the DND and PAF came out leading the respected bidding programs, except for the Attack Helicopter which reverted back to its original choice. If not for the bidding requirements as decided by the Aquino administration, the DND could have already signed a contract with either Alenia Aerosspace for the C-27J as early as 1st quarter 2013.

Photo showing fuselage comparison between a C-130, C-27J, Antonov An-32, C-295, CN-235. Take note of the size differences and capability to take in different kinds of expected cargo like vehicles, goods and fighter aircraft engines. These cargo are expected to be carried by PAF medium lift transport aircraft as well.
Photo taken from militaryphotos.net c/o Hyde.

Bid opening was moved from October 14, 2013 to October 29, 2013 as indicated in the 1st Supplemental Bid Bulletin, as expected like other similar procurement of major defense equipment. So it would be best to see who are the final contenders for the next week. MaxDefense will post updates upon availability as the acquisition program progresses.

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Updates:

October 26, 2013: The bid submission and opening was moved from October 29, 2013 to November 11, 2013. This is according to the new Supplemental Bid Bulletin issued by the DND on October 21, 2013. No word if bidders requested the schedule change or if DND's decision.

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Philippine Navy Frigate Acquisition Project - An Analysis of the 1st-Stage Bidding Specifications

Finally what we've been waiting for is out. MaxDefense has obtained a copy of the 1st-Stage Bidding Specifications released by the Philippines' Department of National Defense (DND) for the Philippine Navy's New Frigate Acquisition Project. This is the basis for contending bidders on the initial bidding stage, with a budget of Php 18 billion for 2 frigates. Many suggest that the frigates are to become glorified Offshore Patrol Vessels based on the said specifications.

MaxDefense earlier believes that the Incheon-class frigate will be the basis of the frigate program, but it is worth checking what will be the final output of this bidding process.

MaxDefense summarizes the important details of the said 1st-stage bid specifications, with a few edits as shown below (additional commentaries in Italics):
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Technical Specifications:
Budget: Php 18 billion for 2 brand-new frigates.
Capabilities: 
- Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Electronic Warfare (EW);
- Extended Maritime Patrol with embarked helicopter;
- Operation on up to Sea State 6

Dimesions: per function of design (depend on bidder's proposed design) 
Displacement: per function of design (depend on bidder's proposed design)
Range: 4,500 nautical miles @ 15 knots;
Endurance: 30 days in tropical condition;
Speed: maximum continuous of 25 knots;
Boats Carried: minimum of 2 Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats;

Operating Environment:
- Operation at Sea State 6,
- Non-degradation of warfare mission at Sea State 5;
- Helicopter operation at Sea State 4;
- RHIB operations at Sea State 3

Complement: per function of design (depend on bidder's proposed design), but will have a non-organic crew of 8 officers, 16 enlisted personnel (embarked Task Force/air crew/1 SEAL team.)

Propulsion: minimum of 2 engines with 2 propellers with reduction gear box;
Power Supply: minimum of 3 diesel generators;
Replenishment at Sea Capable.

Navigation Equipment:
- minimum 2 navigation radars (X-band and S-band), at least 1 in solid state design, capable of Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA), Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Automatic Tracking Aid (ATA);
- GPS;
- depth sounding set;
- vessel tracking system compatible to Philippine Navy's system

Communications:
- Standard VHF AM/FM and UHF radios; 
- Satelite Communications (SATCOM) system;
- Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system;
- "Fitted for but not with" Tactical Data Link (NATO standard), still to be determined which type, supplied by PN;
- Local Area Network (LAN); 
-Connectivity to the PN's Littoral Observation Stations and Maritime Research Information Center.

Sensors, minimum requirement:
- Combat Management System (CMS), readily upgradable;
- Fire Control System integrated to CMS, can track and engage surface, air and missile targets simultaneously;
- Fire Control Radar and/or Electro-Optical targeting system;
- Electronic Support Measures (ESM) with Radio Detection and Finding (RDF);
- 2D air search radar for air surveillance and target acquisition, minimum range of 80nmi, can detect sea-skimming missiles with maximum altitude of 10ft., integrated to ESM and CMS;
- 2D surface search radar, can detect anti-ship missile threats minimum range of 40nmi, integrated to ESM and CMS;
- Passive and Active Sonar system;
- Decoy launcher minimum 6 tubes per side or centrally rotating launcher

Weapons Systems, minimum requirement:
- 76mm gun at forward section with target tracking radar and/or electro-optical target acquisition and fire control computer;
- 1 x stabilized secondary gun;
- 4 x 50-caliber machine guns;
- primary and secondary guns shall be integrated to combat management system;
- 4 x surface-to-surface missile launchers, minimum 50km range, active homing seeker and ECCM capability;
- surface-to-air missile launching system, minimum quadruple launcher, minimum 6km range, IR or semi-active homing seeker, with ECCM and/or IR CCM capability;
- anti-submarine torpedoes, minimum range 2km, minimum depth 500m, with acoustic countermeasures capability, 2 x triple launchers (one on each side);

Flight Capability: Hangar and deck facilities for at least 1 helicopter up to 10-tons. 
Helicopter Hangar Dimensions: 14.3m L x 9.5m W x 4.5m H, capable of accepting 10-ton helicopter design;

Ammunition:
- minimum 10 rounds each for surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missiles;
- minimum 6 torpedo rounds and a dummy torpedo;
- minimum 652 rounds assorted 76mm ammunition;
- fragmentation and high explosive rounds for secondary gun;
- minimum 54 rounds for assorted chaffs and decoys;
- minimum of 2 ammunition storage spaces
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Additional Information:
Aside from the specifications released by the DND, PTV-4 was able to interview the commanding officer of the Philippine Navy's Patrol Force, Commodore Jose Renan Suarez, wherein he pointed out a few of the basic information of the frigate project. He emphasized the availability of a main gun firing 120 rounds per minute, and that the ship would be built to accept numerous upgrades in the future to be relevant and competitive with new threats.


Points for Discussion based on the Information:
There are 2 parameters set on this bidding that must be considered before making conclusions:

First, the project will go through a two-stage bidding, with the initial bid only intended to provide basis of capability of competing bidders to comply with the initial specifications;

Secondly, all specified requirements in this specification by the DND are "minimum requirements", and bidders may propose a better system according to their decision.

Similar to what the DND and PN did for the Strategic Sealift Vessel, the manufacturers are given the free-will to submit a hull design that would fit to the requirements, without being specific on the dimensions and displacement. The range and endurance is acceptable for frigates, although most corvettes and OPVs also have the same capabilities with this regard. The speed appears to be slow as compared to typical frigates which have design speeds between 29 to 32 knots. Most ships with 25 knots maximum are usually offshore patrol vessels or corvettes with an all-diesel propulsion in CODAD or CODOD configuration. The propulsion requirement calls for at least 2 engines, which is standard to most warships, but it did not indicate the propulsion configuration, leaving it open for bidders to propose and if it would incorporate other propulsion systems like gas turbine or electric system. 

No indication that a gas turbine engine is required, although the specifications only allowed for minimum requirements.
Photo taken from General Electric website.

Previously the Philippine Navy high command announced the preference on use of diesel engines or diesel engines in conjunction with a higher output alternative power source for high speed operations. This was the main reason why they rejected earlier offers by the US government for COGAG-configured Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates so it is safe to assume that 2 diesel engines are the minimum. So we could either see a CODOD/CODAD configuration, or CODOG at best depending on what the bidders can offer.

The specifications also included a clause that requires the hull design to be based on a proven design that passed extensive model tests, with emphasis on survivability, being able to withstand damage and flooding in any 2 adjacent watertight compartments. This is very important since the ship will be used for combat operations and high-threat environments. This clause also strongly supports the previous requirements disallowing the AFP to be end-users of unproven designs. This would hurt some of the prospected bidders like ST Engineering which may offer a design that is unproven although derived from a smaller but proven ship's design.

The organic complement appears to be a matter of function of design and automation according to the proposal, but since budget is a major factor, MaxDefense expects the ship to have less automation compared to most recent designs. This would push the number of crew to a higher level, with an estimated crew of around 160 men and women. Non-organic complement includes the aviation crew and pilots (4 pilots, 2 TACCOs, 8 enlisted personnel), a SEAL team for special operations (1 officer and 7 enlisted personnel) and might also include enough accommodations for task force officers (1 senior officer, 1 junior officer, 1 enlisted personnel) indicating that the frigates can be used as task force ships or SEAL insertion platforms.

A PN SEAL team, together with their RHIB can call the new frigates their home.
Photo taken from US Navy website.

The navigation requirements appear to be standard, and is somehow available on some of the Philippine Navy's current assets. Same for the communications requirements as well except for the requirement for connectivity to "Littoral Observation Stations", which MaxDefense believes to be the National Coast Watch System. Such system is also currently available with the BRP Gregorio del Pilar. A requirement for a future Data Link is also present, and appears to be "fitted for but not with" due to the absence of such system within the AFP. Upon decision of the AFP which type would be used by the entire armed forces, only then can a Data Link be installed on the ship. Due to the Philippine military's close relationship with the US, it is expected that the Data Link will somehow be an American type, possibly the Link 16.

It is in the weapons and sensors that MaxDefense finds interesting discussion. The minimum requirement calls for a 2-dimensional (2D) air search and surface search radar systems. This appears to be contradictory to what the PN was planning for some time. Previously a released Request for Information (RFI) by the US Navy's Naval Sea Systems Command 2 years ago requires a minimum of a 3D-radar set for a possible PN OPV requirement. Also, 2D-radar sets may not be able to complement most modern anti-aircraft missiles, as the system can only provide bearing and range information but not the elevation. Examples of 2D radar sets that fits the range include Saab's Sea Giraffe LT, Selex's RAN30X/I, and Terma's Scanter 4100 series, which are mostly used for small OPVs or as secondary radar systems for surface combatants. 

A 2D-radar system was specified for the air and surface search radar requirements. Above is the Selex RAN30X/I which appears to meet the requirements.
Photo taken from Selex Sistemi Integrati website.

The requirement for sonar systems, which only said as capable of active and passive detection modes, remains a mystery due to lack of further information. No specific information if t would be a hull-mounted sonar, a towed array sonar, or both. This would probably be clarified later on as the project matures.

The ship's main gun will be a 76mm type, probably an Oto Melara model due to commonality with current PN systems. Although not in the specifications, the earlier report from Commodore Suarez's interview indicated a 120rpm gun, which is possibly the 76mm Super Rapid version. A secondary gun was also specified, and was designated in the specifications as a "CIWS" but did not mention the capability to shoot down incoming high speed targets like anti-ship missiles or aircraft. MaxDefense believes that the specification meant  it be probably like the Mk. 38 Mod. 2 gun planned for the Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates to simplify logistics and support. 

A 76mm main gun capable of firing 120 rounds per minute is being considered. Above shows the Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid naval gun.
Photo taken from naval-technology.com.

An Electronic Countermeasures (ECM) suite appears to be not specified, although ESM and RDF were included in the Electronic Wafare (EW) system. Anti-ship missile and torpedo decoy launchers are also required, and will be integrated to the CMS and EW systems. Further clarification might be made if a full ECM suite is needed, similar to the AN/SLQ-32 used by the US Navy and LIG Nex1's Sonata EW System. MaxDefense places this requirement on top of priorities in the absence of an effective anti-aircraft and CIWS system as active defense against incoming missiles. 

Labelled by the DND and PN as a CIWS, the specifications appear to point out to a secondary gun system similar to the Mk.38 Mod.2 gun mount that are scheduled to be installed on the PN's Gregorio del Pilar-class frigates. This gun system is not designed to shoot down incoming missiles, but can be used for slow and small surface targets like terrorist or pirate boats.

The numbers of anti-ship missiles appears to be below the standard mount of similar-sized ships, but the ship would possibly be able to carry up to 8 launchers when necessary as this is the standard number of mounts designed for launching tubes. Requirement is for it to have an active homing seeker and ECCM capability, and a minimum range of 50km. This means missiles like the Boeing Harpoon and MBDA Exocet Blk. III are acceptable, while shorter ranged missiles like MBDA's Marte Mk.2 are out. 

The specifications require a surface-to-surface missile with a minimum range of 50km, with active homing seeker and ECCM capability. Among possible offers may include the MBDA MM40 Exocet Block III anti-ship missile.

But the surface-to-air missile requirement is the most surprising of all, with a minimum range of only 6.0km, mounted in a quadruple launcher. Such requirement means that the minimum air defense requirement is something similar to the MBDA Mistral IR-homing very short range air defense (VShoRAD) missile mounted on a Tetral quadruple mount. Such missile system is not advisable for modern frigate-sized combat vessels as it lacks the range, thus decreasing the capability to defend itself. It decreases the number of defensive layers of the ship, making it easy for OPFOR aircraft with stand-off weapons to engage the frigate, firing at a distance without expecting any defensive threats. Also, the lack of effective air defense system plus the absence of an anti-missile CIWS makes the ship a sitting duck to missile attacks. But since it is just the minimum requirement, contenders can still propose a better system.

Above is the Tetral quadruple launcher for the navalized Mistral VSHORAD missile from MBDA. Indonesia's Diponegoro-class (SIGMA) corvettes are armed with such system.

MaxDefense's Opinion:
This project is a 2-stage competitive bidding, and MaxDefense believes that the specifications released by the DND is NOT FINAL for the frigate project. Since the coming bid would only be a first out of two rounds, it will only accept bidders who would pass the requirements and not yet determine the final winner. 

In short, the 1st stage bidding's specifications are still bound to change, subject to the offer of accepted bidders that may exceed what was initially specified for the project. They will be given a chance to make use of their capability to provide a product that maximizes the budget allocated. Thus, we cannot make a final conclusion yet based on the information we have, but it is highly possible that the final product would definitely be better.

The current specifications does not point to that of a modern frigate due to the following reasons:
- it lacks enough information for possible "fitted for but not with" requirements should the PN find additional funds to upgrade the ships;
- reduced mobility due to low speed and low power for acceleration;
- it has an insufficient active and passive defensive capability;
- a relatively reduced detection and tracking capability;
- lack of strong anti-aircraft system with enough reach;
- unclear ASW detection capability;
- lack of emphasis on stealth or reduced radar cross section capability.

The DND and PN should give more emphasis on items that will be fixed on the ship permanently or for long term, like the hull design, space considerations, propulsion system, and radar system. MaxDefense believes that the PN should have considered at least a 3D radar system as a minimum requirement, and avoid the need to replace the proposed 2D-radar once a decision to upgrade will be made in the future. Propulsion is another fixed system that needs to be looked into.

The DND and PN appears to have given emphasis on the "fitted for but not with" items, as it seems that the direction is on that path. Although no information was released regarding this matter, it is expected to be clearer in the 2nd stage bidding. Ship size and dimension, and power generation requirements are relevant to this, as the ship must be ready to accept such upgrades when the time comes. This lack on initial capability is the consequence of under-funding the project. 

The 1st-stage bidding specifications of the ship has a light sensors and weapons system suite, and may be comparable to an improved Pattani-class OPV of the RTN, as shown above.
Photo taken from mdc.idv.tw.

So is the PN Frigate a "Glorified Offshore Patrol Vessel" as many suggest it is? 

NO. It is too early to say because of the complicated bidding procedure. 

So until the 2nd-stage bidding starts, it is safe to say that everything is bound to change for the better than what was released in the 1st-stage bid specifications.

MaxDefense will be closely monitoring the updates for this project, with the pre-bid conference scheduled this Friday (October 11, 2013), expect several questions to be thrown and answered at the Supplemental Bid Bulletins in the coming days. 1st-stage bid submission is originally scheduled on the October 25, 2013, with the opening to be done on the same day.

For the complete 1st-stage bidding specifications, an open copy was posted here:

http://www.mediafire.com/view/cjw5782dz18176i/Bid(3)

For more information the concept of a 2-stage bidding, please see here, starting at page 85:

http://www.gppb.gov.ph/downloadables/forms/GPM%20-%20Vol.2.pdf

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Updates:

October 25, 2013:
For those asking, according to the Supplemental Bid Bulletin released by the DND on October 18, 2013,  the PN Frigate acquisition program schedule has been moved. Probably due to complexity of the project, there will be a 2nd pre-bid conference on November 11, 2013. The 1st bid submission and opening is also moved, from October 25, 2013 to November 25, 2013. Also be reminded that this is a 2-stage bidding process, so don't expect any winners on the bid opening date yet. For further details on the 2-stage bidding process, read this blog again.

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November 21, 2013:
The bid submission and opening of the Philippine Navy Frigate acquisition program was moved from November 25, 2013 to December 4, 2013. This is to provide more time for bidders to formulate their offers. Details are provided on the Supplemental Bid Bulletin released by the DND on November 18, 2013.

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December 6, 2013:
UNTV reported that there were 7 companies that submitted a bid for the frigate project. Although there is no indication on the report of which companies submitted a bid, 7 companies is good enough to make the project a competitive one. A copy of the video was posted HERE.

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February 7, 2016:

WIth new information released, let's re-do the summary found on the first part of this blog entry:

Technical Specifications:
Budget: Php 18 billion for 2 brand-new frigates.
Capabilities: 
- Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), and Electronic Warfare (EW);
- Extended Maritime Patrol with embarked helicopter;
- Participate in Joint Maritime Operations
- Operation on up to Sea State 7
- Stealth design

Dimesions: minimum 95 meters long, per function of design (depend on bidder's proposed design) 
Displacement: minimum 2,000 tons, per function of design (depend on bidder's proposed design)
Range: 4,500 nautical miles @ 15 knots;
Endurance: 30 days in tropical condition;
Speed: maximum continuous of 25 knots;
Boats Carried: minimum of two 7-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats;

Operating Environment:
- Operation at Sea State 7,
- Non-degradation of ASuW, AAW, EW mission at Sea State 5;
- Non-degradation of ASW mission at Sea State 4;
- Helicopter operation at Sea State 4;
- RHIB operations at Sea State 3

Complement: per function of design (depend on bidder's proposed design), but will have a non-organic crew of 9 officers, 16 enlisted personnel (embarked Task Force/air crew/1 SEAL team.)

Propulsion: CODAD with 4 diesel engines, 2 propellers with reduction gear box;
Power Supply: minimum of 3 diesel generators;
Replenishment at Sea Capable.

Navigation Equipment:
-  2 navigation radars (X-band and S-band), solid state design, capable of Automatic Radar Plotting Aid (ARPA), Automatic Identification System (AIS) and Automatic Tracking Aid (ATA);
- DGPS;
- Integrated Navigation Bridge
- Automatic Identification System
- depth sounding set;
- vessel tracking system compatible to Philippine Navy's system

Communications:
- Standard VHF AM/FM and UHF radios; 
- Satelite Communications (SATCOM) system;
- Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) system;
- Integrated Communications System;
- Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP);
- With proponent's Tactical Data Link;
- Fitted for but not with Tactical Data Link (NATO standard), still to be determined which type, supplied by PN;
- Local Area Network (LAN); 

Sensors, minimum requirement:
- Combat Management System (CMS), readily upgradable & proven design;
- Fire Control System integrated to CMS, can track and engage surface, air and missile targets simultaneously;
- Fire Control Radar and Electro-Optical targeting system;
- Electronic Support Measures (ESM);
- 3D air/surface search radar for air & surface surveillance and target acquisition, minimum range of 100nmi for aerial targets and 40nmi for sea targets, can detect sea-skimming missiles with maximum altitude of 10ft., integrated to ESM and CMS;
- Passive and Active Bow-mounted Sonar system;
- Decoy launcher minimum 6 tubes per side
- Fitted for but not with Towed Array Sonar System

Weapons Systems, minimum requirement:
- 76mm gun @ 120rpm at forward section with target tracking radar and/or electro-optical target acquisition and fire control computer;
- minimum 1 x stabilized 30mm to 40mm secondary gun;
- 4 x 50-caliber machine guns;
- primary and secondary guns shall be integrated to combat management system;
- 4 x surface-to-surface missile launchers, minimum 150km range, active homing seeker and ECCM capability;
- surface-to-air missile launching system, minimum two twin launchers, minimum 6km range, IR or semi-active homing seeker, with ECCM and/or IR CCM capability;
- 2 x triple lightweight anti-submarine torpedo launchers, minimum range 2km, minimum depth 500m, with acoustic countermeasures capability, one on each side;
- Fitted for but not with 8-cell VLS launcher

Flight Capability: Hangar and deck facilities for at least 1 helicopter up to 12-tons. 
Helicopter Hangar Dimensions: 15.6m L x 7.24m W x 5.7m H, capable of accepting 10-ton helicopter design;


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