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New Delhi Rotary Ambitions Continue To Climb | AVIATION WEEK
Indias efforts to revamp its military rotorcraft inventory continue with further requests for information now hitting the streets, while the rerun of its light reconnaissance helicopter program may be entering the final stage.
The navy is in the market for 50 light utility helicopters, and the coast guard is looking for 30 platformsa mix of medium and light models. Requests for information on the programs were issued this monthalthough in the coast guards case, this is its second effort to jump-start the procurement.
The big prize in the near term is the $600-million light reconnaissance and surveillance helicopter (RSH) competition, with the contenders now in flight evaluation. AgustaWestland, Eurocopter and Kamov are battling for the 197-helicopter project. Eurocopter was previously selected for the program, only to see the government pull the plug on the contest in November 2007.
The Indian military has a slew of rotary buys underway, with rival manufacturers fighting to secure a slice of the potentially lucrative business. The total airframe number across several programs is around 350.
Last time around in the air force and army recce competition, during the final run-off against Bell, Eurocopter fielded the civil AS350 B3 Ecureuil for the trials. This partly contributed to the requirement being re-competed despite Eurocopter protests. The company now aims to leverage this experience in trying to win the present contest.
This time, Eurocopter is fielding the military version of the Ecureuil, the AS550C3 Fennec, for the trialsa point the company is stressing in its briefing material to the Indian air force and army aviation corps. The Fennec is being evaluated along with the AgustaWestland AW119 and the Kamov Ka-226T.
Eurocopter briefings assert that the Fennec is the only military certified and proven helicopter in its class. The briefing document contends that the Ka-226T remains a prototype aircraft without military certification, while the AW119 is a civil design with no military customer references.
Eurocopter also states that neither of its two competitors is in a position to meet the required delivery schedule: The request specifies that deliveries must begin 12 months from contract signature. With the bulk of the selected type to be built in-country, Eurocopter is also flagging its previous ties with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. on the Alouette II and III production.
Responding to the Eurocopter claims, an AgustaWestland official says: Thats their opinion. At the end of the day, we have to demonstrate our products through a certain course, and we intend to either meet or exceed all expectations.
Defense ministry sources say the current re-tender has had certain hiccups during technical and flight evaluationsflaws that could delay the process or, in a worst-case scenario, translate into yet another re-tender.
A naval variant of the Fennec is also a likely candidate for the Indian navy project to replace its Alouette III/Chetak helicopters.
As for the renewed coast guard procurement effort, the aim is to issue a request for proposals an in September. It is looking to procure 14 twin-engine shore-based helicopters for maritime surveillance, interdiction, and search and rescue, along with 16 light helos to cover the same tasks in the shipborne role.
For the twin-engine requirement, Eurocopter has been pitching the AS565 Panther while Sikorsky has been offering alternatives, including the S-76. The likely competitors will be hoping that this time around the process moves beyond just a request for information.
Meanwhile, New Delhi continues to pursue attack and heavy-lift helicopter projects; 22 of the former and 15 of the latter are now sought.
The Indian Multirole Helicopter remains a further prize, although this program envisions the ability to manufacture the selected type in-country from the outset. Eurocopter and AgustaWestland are also rivals for this program, with Russias Kazan a contender, too.
Indias efforts to revamp its military rotorcraft inventory continue with further requests for information now hitting the streets, while the rerun of its light reconnaissance helicopter program may be entering the final stage.
The navy is in the market for 50 light utility helicopters, and the coast guard is looking for 30 platformsa mix of medium and light models. Requests for information on the programs were issued this monthalthough in the coast guards case, this is its second effort to jump-start the procurement.
The big prize in the near term is the $600-million light reconnaissance and surveillance helicopter (RSH) competition, with the contenders now in flight evaluation. AgustaWestland, Eurocopter and Kamov are battling for the 197-helicopter project. Eurocopter was previously selected for the program, only to see the government pull the plug on the contest in November 2007.
The Indian military has a slew of rotary buys underway, with rival manufacturers fighting to secure a slice of the potentially lucrative business. The total airframe number across several programs is around 350.
Last time around in the air force and army recce competition, during the final run-off against Bell, Eurocopter fielded the civil AS350 B3 Ecureuil for the trials. This partly contributed to the requirement being re-competed despite Eurocopter protests. The company now aims to leverage this experience in trying to win the present contest.
This time, Eurocopter is fielding the military version of the Ecureuil, the AS550C3 Fennec, for the trialsa point the company is stressing in its briefing material to the Indian air force and army aviation corps. The Fennec is being evaluated along with the AgustaWestland AW119 and the Kamov Ka-226T.
Eurocopter briefings assert that the Fennec is the only military certified and proven helicopter in its class. The briefing document contends that the Ka-226T remains a prototype aircraft without military certification, while the AW119 is a civil design with no military customer references.
Eurocopter also states that neither of its two competitors is in a position to meet the required delivery schedule: The request specifies that deliveries must begin 12 months from contract signature. With the bulk of the selected type to be built in-country, Eurocopter is also flagging its previous ties with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. on the Alouette II and III production.
Responding to the Eurocopter claims, an AgustaWestland official says: Thats their opinion. At the end of the day, we have to demonstrate our products through a certain course, and we intend to either meet or exceed all expectations.
Defense ministry sources say the current re-tender has had certain hiccups during technical and flight evaluationsflaws that could delay the process or, in a worst-case scenario, translate into yet another re-tender.
A naval variant of the Fennec is also a likely candidate for the Indian navy project to replace its Alouette III/Chetak helicopters.
As for the renewed coast guard procurement effort, the aim is to issue a request for proposals an in September. It is looking to procure 14 twin-engine shore-based helicopters for maritime surveillance, interdiction, and search and rescue, along with 16 light helos to cover the same tasks in the shipborne role.
For the twin-engine requirement, Eurocopter has been pitching the AS565 Panther while Sikorsky has been offering alternatives, including the S-76. The likely competitors will be hoping that this time around the process moves beyond just a request for information.
Meanwhile, New Delhi continues to pursue attack and heavy-lift helicopter projects; 22 of the former and 15 of the latter are now sought.
The Indian Multirole Helicopter remains a further prize, although this program envisions the ability to manufacture the selected type in-country from the outset. Eurocopter and AgustaWestland are also rivals for this program, with Russias Kazan a contender, too.
