Navy floats tender for buying 56 choppers

New Delhi: The ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters is on its way out. As part of the ongoing drive to modernize its aviation wing, the Navy has floated a global tender for 56 light utility helicopters worth over `4,000 crore to replace the Cheetahs and Chetaks.
With increased responsibility of coastal security in the wake of Mumbai terror attacks and anti-piracy role, the Navy plans to extensively use these helicopters for anti-terrorism and anti-piracy operations.
US-made Sikorsky, Eurocopter (conglomeration of UK and Germany), Kamov (Russia) and Italy’s Augusta Westland were invited to bid for the contract, sources said here on Friday.
The helicopters will be used for both shore-based and offshore operations and the Navy has specified they should be capable of operating from ship decks in adverse weather conditions during day and night.
11/08/12 The Pioneer

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Aug 2012