Bell Helicopter and Rolls-Royce deals herald Indian light helicopter decision

Bell Helicopter and Rolls-Royce signed several deals in India last week under offset agreements linked to a forthcoming military helicopter tender, hinting that New Delhi could decide on the contract soon.
Bell, which is offering its 407 against Eurocopter's AS550C Fennec to meet a 197-aircraft light utility helicopter requirement for the Indian army, has announced plans for a $100 million maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) unit in India and a pilot training institute. It also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) for possible co-operation in the supply of airframe subassemblies and product support.
EADS subsidiary Eurocopter said in June that it plans to invest more than $1 billion in India over the next two years in a local subsidiary, a training school and an MRO centre. It also submitted joint bids with HAL for the Indian navy's 10t helicopter requirement, and is bidding for VIP helicopter contracts with the Indian air force.
14/11/06 Siva Govindasamy/Flight International

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