Sunday, April 9 2006 11:04 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Within months of a new Indo-US defence framework coming into force, US companies are poised to make their first biggest direct military sales to India with Textron's Bell 407 Shen helicopter being shortlisted for an Army project to buy 197 light utility helicopters.

While attention has been riveted on major mega deals like purchase of 126 Medium Combat Fighters and sale of submarines and Radars, Textron Bell 407 has completed its technical trials - winter trials in Ladakh region in 2004 and summer trials in Pokhran in 2005 - and is currently undergoing general staff evaluation.

To give fillip to its Aviation wing, Army is proposing to purchase 197 helicopters in a deal worth 500 to 600 million US dollars (about Rs 2,640 crores). Of this 60 will be bought outright and the remaining 137 co-produced under licence by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Along with Bell 407, army has also shortlisted the Eurocopter AS 350B3, as strategist are beginning to realize the tactical mobility that helicopters provide in the conflict scenario. The army deals with insurgencies and regional battle to out of area contingencies.

The helicopters will replace the Army Aviation Wings' ageing fleet of 180 to 190 Chetaks (French Allouette II) and Cheetahs (Alloutte III'S), some of which are being upgraded to the Chetan and Cheetal configuration.

Asked about the trials, a top Bell official said "the helicopter was able to meet or exceed all the army's mission requirements including a flawless take-off the morning after an overnight cold soak during cold weather trials."

'Indian Government with the best overall solution'

They said "we are confident that our proposal offers the Indian Government with the best overall solution. We are also offering HAL with transfer of technology package for the best selling single light helicopter."

Officials also said that the company had done feasibility studies to determine moving product production lines to HAL.

"We want HAL to make chopper rotors for us and we are undertaking tests on Indian rotors for certification."

In its vision 2017, Army Aviation Corp projected requirements include a squadron of 15 utility helicopters per army corps or around 195 helicopters.

It also envisages keeping on observation chopper with each of army's 37 divisions. By 2015 Army Aviation Corp also hopes to acquire attack helicopters to replace and augment its 31 MI-25 and MI-35 gunships including four trainers. These attack helicopters are currently operated by the IAF for the army.

Also on the Army Aviation anvil is to upgrade 60 to 80 of the newest Cheetah airframes to Lancer light attack helicopter by the HAL.

The upgraded helicopter is envisaged for deployment in anti-insurgency operations, close air support missions and anti-armour application, but in the face of fresh imports, the lancers' future too remains nebulous.