The navy is to inaugurate a newly-delivered squadron of new S-70C(M)-2 anti-submarine helicopters on July 9 in Hualien, eastern Taiwan, the navy confirmed yesterday.
The inauguration ceremony will be held under the supervision of the navy's fleet commander Vice Admiral Lin Cheng-yi (
"The ceremony will not be open to the press," said the naval spokesman, who asked not to be identified.
Eleven of the helicopters are to formally enter service on July 9, becoming the navy's second squadron of S-70C-series anti-submarine helicopters.
The new squadron will be named the 702nd squadron, while the first squadron of S-70C-series helicopters is called the 701st.
The 701st squadron is composed of nine S-70C(M)-1 helicopters, which are an older version of the S-70C-series.
Erich Shih (施孝瑋), a senior editor with Defense International magazine, said the biggest difference between the two aircraft is that the latest helicopter's engine is set to military specifications.
"With an engine set to military specifications, the S-70C(M)-2 has greater power. One of the S-70C(M)-1s Taiwan purchased from the US was involved in a fatal crash. The crash was caused by a lack of power in the engine, which failed to stop the helicopter's descent during a crisis situation," Shih said.
The fatal crash Shih referred to occurred in 1994 off the coast of Hualien. One pilot was killed.
The navy ordered the 11 S-70C(M)-2 helicopters in 1997 at a cost of NT$2.69 billion. It has been taking delivery of the helicopters since September.
The 11 new helicopters are expected to considerably enhance the navy's anti-submarine capabilities. The navy also has the 500MD helicopter and S-2T aircraft to conduct anti-submarine warfare, both of which are considered out of date.
In the years to come, the navy plans to buy P-3C anti-submarine aircraft from the US, a deal approved by Washington in this year's annual arms talks between Taiwan and the US.
The navy is rumored to be purchasing 13 of the P-3Cs. With the aircraft, the navy can conduct anti-submarine warfare over a greater distance and period of time.
The navy is eager to acquire the plane since the existing 26 S-2T planes are largely in poor condition due to a shortage of spare parts.
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