Abingdonboy
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The acquisition process of 14 helicopters for the Indian Coast Guard has made some headway. Trials will follow in the coming months as the technical bids have been evaluated.
The purchase of new helicopters is part of the Coast Guard's plans to improve its dwindling fleet.
The 14 shore-based helicopters are meant for search and rescue operations. Among those shortlisted for trials after evaluation of technical bids is Eurocopter's EC 725 helicopter. A twin engine helicopter, EC 725 can be used for multiple tasks, including casualty evacuation, combat and search and rescue operations.
"Eurocopter's EC 725 has been shortlisted after the technical evaluation. Flight evaluation trials, which are at the next stage, are expected to take place in the first quarter of 2014," said a representative of the company.
Also in the race for the Coast Guard's contract - the bid for which was floated in November 2012 - were AgustaWestland and Sikorsky.
The helicopters are meant to be operated along the country's vast coastline, which spans 7,500 kilometers.
The Indian Coast Guard, like the Indian Navy, at present flies single engine Chetak helicopters. It also operates the home-made Advanced Light Helicopters. The new helicopters are expected to be a leap ahead of the existing fleet.
A requirement for shore-based search and rescue helicopters was projected. It can be used for multiple purposes, including reconnaissance and patrol of off-shore installations.
Modernisation of the Indian Coast Guard is one of the major aspects of the maritime security plan that came into existence after 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Acquisition of aircraft and ships is part of the modernisation programme.
Apart from the helicopters, the Coast Guard also flies Dornier fixed-wing aircraft which are deployed along the country's sea shores and in the island territories.
The flight evaluation trials are only in the early stages of the long-winding procurement process, said officials. There is a long way to go before finalising the helicopter contract.
The acquisition of helicopters by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has remained a problematic affair following allegations of corruption.
The purchase of 12 AW-101 VVIP helicopters for the Indian Air Force is already under cloud. No headway has been made in acquisition of helicopters for the Indian Navy and the Indian Army.
The procurement of 197 helicopters for the Army is on the verge of cancellation for the second time. The Navy is already facing a shortage in helicopters. There is a sense of urgency in acquiring more helicopters as it has come to a stage where operations were being effected.
Of around 50 naval warships capable of operating helicopters, the availability is only around half that number. The officials hope that the jinx around the helicopter purchase would be broken to fulfil operational requirement of the armed forces.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahom...ost-dwindling-rescue-fleet.html#ixzz2jpCT2hN7
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
The EC-725 is one of my favourite helos and there is a strong possibility the IN will be getting the EC-725 itself as it is taking part in the IN's 12-tonne helo procurement (for SOFs and LHDs).
It's hard to get around the fact that a combined order would be logical but, oh well, this is India and it'll be a few more years before such logical thinking is commonplace.
A fantastic machine nonetheless for sure! Looking forward to seeing it in both IN and ICG colours!
The purchase of new helicopters is part of the Coast Guard's plans to improve its dwindling fleet.
The 14 shore-based helicopters are meant for search and rescue operations. Among those shortlisted for trials after evaluation of technical bids is Eurocopter's EC 725 helicopter. A twin engine helicopter, EC 725 can be used for multiple tasks, including casualty evacuation, combat and search and rescue operations.
"Eurocopter's EC 725 has been shortlisted after the technical evaluation. Flight evaluation trials, which are at the next stage, are expected to take place in the first quarter of 2014," said a representative of the company.
Also in the race for the Coast Guard's contract - the bid for which was floated in November 2012 - were AgustaWestland and Sikorsky.
The helicopters are meant to be operated along the country's vast coastline, which spans 7,500 kilometers.
The Indian Coast Guard, like the Indian Navy, at present flies single engine Chetak helicopters. It also operates the home-made Advanced Light Helicopters. The new helicopters are expected to be a leap ahead of the existing fleet.
A requirement for shore-based search and rescue helicopters was projected. It can be used for multiple purposes, including reconnaissance and patrol of off-shore installations.
Modernisation of the Indian Coast Guard is one of the major aspects of the maritime security plan that came into existence after 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. Acquisition of aircraft and ships is part of the modernisation programme.
Apart from the helicopters, the Coast Guard also flies Dornier fixed-wing aircraft which are deployed along the country's sea shores and in the island territories.
The flight evaluation trials are only in the early stages of the long-winding procurement process, said officials. There is a long way to go before finalising the helicopter contract.
The acquisition of helicopters by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has remained a problematic affair following allegations of corruption.
The purchase of 12 AW-101 VVIP helicopters for the Indian Air Force is already under cloud. No headway has been made in acquisition of helicopters for the Indian Navy and the Indian Army.
The procurement of 197 helicopters for the Army is on the verge of cancellation for the second time. The Navy is already facing a shortage in helicopters. There is a sense of urgency in acquiring more helicopters as it has come to a stage where operations were being effected.
Of around 50 naval warships capable of operating helicopters, the availability is only around half that number. The officials hope that the jinx around the helicopter purchase would be broken to fulfil operational requirement of the armed forces.
Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/indiahom...ost-dwindling-rescue-fleet.html#ixzz2jpCT2hN7
Follow us: @MailOnline on Twitter | DailyMail on Facebook
The EC-725 is one of my favourite helos and there is a strong possibility the IN will be getting the EC-725 itself as it is taking part in the IN's 12-tonne helo procurement (for SOFs and LHDs).
It's hard to get around the fact that a combined order would be logical but, oh well, this is India and it'll be a few more years before such logical thinking is commonplace.
A fantastic machine nonetheless for sure! Looking forward to seeing it in both IN and ICG colours!
