HAL secures copter order from Peru

After several false starts, aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has finally hit pay dirt for its much-publicised defence project. The Bangalore-based PSU has bagged two orders for its Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) from Peru, sources said.
The orders for the 5.5-tonne class (dry weight 3.3 tonne) ALH, christened Dhruv, are for two heli-ambulances to be used by the country's health services.
This is the first international civilian contract bagged by the PSU.
According to sources, the craft has been priced around Rs 40 crore apiece, 10-15 per cent lower than similar machines in its class.
The interiors of the ALH ambulances to be delivered to Peru will be done up in Europe. HAL is in talks with a few firms specialising in interiors and other accessories typically required by heli-ambulances.
Earlier, supply and service contracts with the Myanmarese and Chilean governments fell through either because of political pressure or competitor's lobbying.
24/06/08 Praveen Bose & Ravi Menon/Business Standard

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Categories: Foreign Jun 2008, Indian Aviation- In General Jun 2008, New Jun 2008