India seeks Russian help with combat helicopter

[Contrarian]

India seeks Russian help with combat helicopter
http://www.flightglobal.com/article...eeks-russian-help-with-combat-helicopter.html

New Delhi wants to develop 10t battlefield machine rather than buy Mil aircraft

India has asked Russia to partner it in the development of a 10t-class battlefield helicopter to replace Mil Mi-24/25/35s.

The offer was made during a visit by Russian defence minister Sergei Ivanov to New Delhi. Ivanov is also chairman of Russia's new unified aerospace manufacturer United Aircraft (OAK), and was accompanied in New Delhi by OAK president Aleksei Fiodorov.

Russia has offered to sell Mi-35s and Mi-28Ns to India, as well as Mi-24 upgrade packages, but these have not found favour with New Delhi, which wants to develop a new helicopter. Preliminary talks with Russia had focused on using the Mi-28N as the platform.

India wants a jointly developed battlefield helicopter capable of serving more roles than the Mi-28N, which is designed for anti-tank missions. It would serve as a direct replacement for the Mi-24, and therefore, in addition to carrying guided and unguided weapons, would carry assault troops in its rear cabin compartment.

Russian engine manufacturer Klimov confirms that it is offering the VK-2500P powerplant to power the new 10t-class helicopter.

While rejecting Russia's proposals to upgrade Indian Mi-24/25s, New Delhi has agreed to a customised Mi-8/17 upgrade for aircraft not part of an earlier modernisation project agreed with Israeli firms.

Meanwhile, Mil is performing Mi-28N "Night Hunter" acceptance trials after receiving approval for the type to be used as Russia's principal anti-tank helicopter.

Russian air force commander Gen Vladimir Mikhailov says the rival Kamov Ka-52 will also be procured in small numbers for anti-terrorist operations in mountainous regions. "It's more stable in wind and better suited to operations in high grounds," he says.

 

[Contrarian]

Guys, could you please explain the types of heli' sthat IAF has, and which are used for which role. The Mi 245, 25, etc must be OOOLD now. Im clueless bout choppers!

 

[Bull]

Mi- 8, 9 squadrons, 102 nos

Mi 17, 6 squadrons, 100 nos

Mi 25/35 2 squadrons, 35 nos

Mi 26, 1 squadron, 4 nos

Chetak, 5 squadrons, 48 nos

Cheetah, 20+ squadrons, 250+ nos

Dhruv, 1 squadron, 12 nos

 

[Bull]

Mi-8

Utility and Assualt heli, 24 troops and can be fitted with rocket pads. Being replaced by Mi -17


Mi-17

Utility and Assualt heli, same as Mi-8, 24 troops, can have rocket pads and ATGMs.

Mi 25

Attack heli, 8 troops,gattling gun in the nose and can carry upto 4.5 ton ordinance like rocket pads, ATGMS etc etc.

Mi-26

Heavy lift, 85 troops.

Cheetah

utility heli, 2 seater witha stretcher carrying capability.

Chetak

utility heli, 4 passengers

Dhruv

Multi purpose, 14 passengers,8 ATGMS, 4 AA missiles, 4 rocket pods

 

[Contrarian]

So the new 10t heli would effectively replace, the Mi 8, Mi 17, Mi 25, Mi 26??
These being old designs and would not be as efficient.

 

[Bull]

So the new 10t heli would effectively replace, the Mi 8, Mi 17, Mi 25, Mi 26??
These being old designs and would not be as efficient.

Mi 17 and Mi 26 are new. the other ones are old.

 

[Contrarian]

And the new 10t chopper would have a greater capcity than the Mi 26? I mean what is the tonnage of Mi 26?

 

[Keysersoze]

Ok the mil mi-26 is the worlds heaviest production helicopter. It also has roughly the same capacity as a c-130 plane.
it is 31 short tons.

 

[Contrarian]

Ok the mil mi-26 is the worlds heaviest production helicopter. It also has roughly the same capacity as a c-130 plane.
it is 31 short tons.

WOW! When did India start operating the Mi-26?

 

[joey]

a bit wrong in this thread, new delhi isnt asking for help but russia wants a JV.

We have ALH dhruv of over 100 orders r there already and export orders to chzech republic.

then theere is attack chopper ALH.