The US State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Argentina of Basler BT-67 Aircraft and related elements of logistics and program support for an estimated cost of $14.3 million. The Government of Argentina has requested to buy Basler BT-67 aircraft; spare engines; spares and repair parts, consumables, accessories, and repair and return services; major modifications and maintenance support; aircraft and ground handling equipment and support; unclassified publications and technical documentation; Technical Coordination Program participation fees; studies and surveys; ferry and transportation support; personnel training and training equipment; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO Ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in South America. The proposed sale will improve Argentina’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing additional capacity for airdrop and airlift operations to service Antarctica during the winter season. This will reduce the burden on other airlift assets in Argentina. Argentina will have no difficultly absorbing this equipment into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Basler Turbo Conversions located in Oshkosh, WI. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
The Basler BT-67 is a utility aircraft produced by Basler Turbo Conversions of Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It is a remanufactured and modified Douglas C-47 (DC-3); the modifications are designed to significantly extend the DC-3’s serviceable lifetime. Basler Turbo Conversions was founded in 1990 solely focused on converting existing C-47 airframes into the BT-67. Basler configures each new build to the client’s specifications. Industries served include cargo, military, cloudseeding, and scientific research. The conversion includes fitting the airframe with new Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-67R turboprop engines, lengthening the fuselage, strengthening the airframe, upgrading the avionics, and making modifications to the wing leading edges and wingtips.
The BT-67 modernization includes a complete airframe overhaul, aerodynamic improvements, structural modifications that increase strength and improve performance, and new systems that improve reliability. The aircraft is a very capable platform upgradeable to meet military mission needs. Multiple seat configurations including FLIR stations with supporting On Board Oxygen Generating Systems (OBOGS). Configuration changes are quick and easy, providing users maximum versatility. The Basler BT-67 has a gunship version used by the Colombian Aerospace Force as of 2017. The Colombian gunships are equipped with a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) ball, enabling the aircraft to conduct effective nighttime missions. Basler provides a long-range fuel tank which increases the aircraft range to 2,140 nmi (3,960 km).
