DISCOVERY AIR INC 8.375 PCT DEBS T.DA.DB.A

RE: RE: RE: Canadian Search and Rescue Contract

[Mongoose11]

The C-130 is some serious, heavy weight competition. The RCAF already operates the Herc so there'd be some synergy but I suspect it is a high cost choice. The Q-400 SAR derivative is not yet airborne as far as I know and the DHC-5 is simply a paper design at this point. The fact that they are Canadian solutions should not be discounted but I doubt they could compete with the proven C295. The C295 looks like a derivative of the ATR-42. That and the fact that it is a proven aircraft should make it very cost effective. I'm sure there are many specifications/requirements that will come into play but I think the C295 has a good chance of winning, especially since politics is becoming less of a factor in procurement decisions (e.g. the last navy ship building contracts).