Bell has brought a navalised version of its 429 helicopter to Aero India in Bangalore to demonstrate its qualities to the Indian Navy (IN).
The IN has released a series of RfIs to gather information about replacement options for its current and elderly fleet of Sea Kings and Chetaks. A formal RfP has not yet appeared, but Bell anticipates one could appear 'in the not-too-distant future'.
Chad Sparks, Bell Helicopter's director of strategic campaigns and business development, informed Shephard of the benefits the 429 would bring the IN for search-and-rescue, anti-surface warfare and utility missions from both shipborne and land-based locations.
With around 100 naval helicopters needing replacement, this future requirement is extensive. Of course, Bell will face stiff competition from competitors such as Airbus. India does not currently fly any Bell military rotorcraft.
In the demonstrator shown in Bangalore, a multi-mission system is installed in the left side of the cockpit for a tactical weapons officer/co-pilot, while an electro-optical sensor was fitted under the nose. The latter was an Elbit Systems/Bharat Electronics Limited sensor, illustrating Bell's willingness to support the government's 'Make in India' policy.
The demonstrator featuring wheeled landing gear was also fitted with mock-ups of survivability equipment (e.g. missile warning receiver and chaff dispenser) plus a rescue hoist and TrakkaBeam searchlight. A search radar would also be standard.
14/02/17 Gordon Arthur/Shephard
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The IN has released a series of RfIs to gather information about replacement options for its current and elderly fleet of Sea Kings and Chetaks. A formal RfP has not yet appeared, but Bell anticipates one could appear 'in the not-too-distant future'.
Chad Sparks, Bell Helicopter's director of strategic campaigns and business development, informed Shephard of the benefits the 429 would bring the IN for search-and-rescue, anti-surface warfare and utility missions from both shipborne and land-based locations.
With around 100 naval helicopters needing replacement, this future requirement is extensive. Of course, Bell will face stiff competition from competitors such as Airbus. India does not currently fly any Bell military rotorcraft.
In the demonstrator shown in Bangalore, a multi-mission system is installed in the left side of the cockpit for a tactical weapons officer/co-pilot, while an electro-optical sensor was fitted under the nose. The latter was an Elbit Systems/Bharat Electronics Limited sensor, illustrating Bell's willingness to support the government's 'Make in India' policy.
The demonstrator featuring wheeled landing gear was also fitted with mock-ups of survivability equipment (e.g. missile warning receiver and chaff dispenser) plus a rescue hoist and TrakkaBeam searchlight. A search radar would also be standard.
14/02/17 Gordon Arthur/Shephard
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