Ahead of India's biggest air expo — Aero India 2015, Bengaluru-based Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) suffered a major setback with Equador deciding to 'restrict' flying of HAL made Dhruv helicopters following repeated mishaps. The decision comes as a shock at a time when the Indian government is planning and pushing for export of military hardware. Ecuador's move is expected reflect on the quality of aviation components made in India at the upcoming Aero India-2015 where multicrore aviation deals are expected to be struck.
Ecuadorian Air Force had procured seven Dhruv choppers from HAL during Aero India 2009 as part of a deal estimated to cost about US$ 45 million. According to sources, two of the Dhruvs had crashed previously while two choppers met with repeated mishaps in less than a fortnight period. "Three aircraft have had their operations restricted because they are undergoing a complete check," Security Minister Cesar Navas was quoted as saying by El Universo newspaper after the accident on January 27. It was the fourth Dhruv to suffer an accident since 2009.
Dhruv helicopter FAE 605 allegedly caught fire in Ecuador's Amazon region on January 27 after taking off at a military base in Tena, according to local media. Two people were injured in the mishap. Incidentally, this mishap occurred at a time when an Indian team was already there to probe the incident that took place on January 13.
30/01/15 Niranjan Kaggere/Bangalore Mirror
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Ecuadorian Air Force had procured seven Dhruv choppers from HAL during Aero India 2009 as part of a deal estimated to cost about US$ 45 million. According to sources, two of the Dhruvs had crashed previously while two choppers met with repeated mishaps in less than a fortnight period. "Three aircraft have had their operations restricted because they are undergoing a complete check," Security Minister Cesar Navas was quoted as saying by El Universo newspaper after the accident on January 27. It was the fourth Dhruv to suffer an accident since 2009.
Dhruv helicopter FAE 605 allegedly caught fire in Ecuador's Amazon region on January 27 after taking off at a military base in Tena, according to local media. Two people were injured in the mishap. Incidentally, this mishap occurred at a time when an Indian team was already there to probe the incident that took place on January 13.
30/01/15 Niranjan Kaggere/Bangalore Mirror
