The Indian navy has issued a request for proposals (RFP) for 56 light utility helicopters to replace its fleet of Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) Chetaks. The move follows a request for information released in May 2010. It calls for aircraft with a maximum weight of 4,500kg (9,920lb), with bids due in January 2013. The RFP, which calls for field trials in India, was issued to several major helicopter, firms including Agusta Westland, Bell Helicopter, Eurocopter and Russian Helicopters, says an industry source. The fact that the helicopter will be used for shipboard operations could limit the navy’s choices in the competition, as the type will require folding rotor blades. At the Farnborough air show in July, HAL told Flightglobal that the challenges and expense involved in modifying its Dhruv advanced light helicopter for ship borne operations would preclude the indigenous type from the competition.
Source: FlightGlobal
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