AgustaWestland’s A129 Scorpion (nee A129 International) is promoted as having the tactical advantage of being able to fire different types of guided missiles and rockets during the same mission. Unlike the basic A129 Mangusta, the A129 Scorpion will be armed with the M197 20mm cannon.

AgustaWestland displayed this model of its A129 Scorpion, armed with gun and Hellfire anti-armour missiles, at the Australian International Airshow, in February this year.

Having been eliminated from the Air 87 shortlist in April 1999, Bell resubmitted its bid with the ARH-1Z SuperCobra in early 2000 when the competition was re-opened to all six original contenders. The ARH-1Z designation was chosen after the bidding was re-opened and is based on the USMC’s upgraded AH-1Z variant. According to Bell, the ARH-1Z may be equipped with a podded version of the Longbow fire control radar as an option.

Eurocopter’s second Tiger prototype was shown at the Australian International Airshow 2001, wearing an ALAT-style two-tone brown camouflage scheme. The 'Aussie Tiger’ is based on the French HAP Tigre scout configuration.

This AH-64D, 97-5038, was exhibited at the Australian International Airshow 99 held in Avalon, in February 1999. Although a US Army aircraft, it was operated by Boeing for the event.

Spot the difference. Australian Air 87 specifies the AH-64D’s fire control radar as an optional requirement. Note the absence of the mast-mounted radar.