A wire service story reports that Eurocopter has written to Indian Army chief General V.K. Singh asking him why in heck the acquisition effort for 197 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters (RSH) remains incomplete. “We take this opportunity to express our concern regarding the time frame for the very important programme, for which the RFP was issued in July 2008. “The technical evaluation process has now taken over 38 months and has not yet been concluded due to reasons which are unknown to us,” the letter opens. Not surprising. Eurocopter, which fields the AS 550 C3 Fennec has had one shock too many in the country — in 2007, the company managed an abort just a whisker away from victory against the Bell 407 Shen. Meanwhile… Rosoboronexport went ahead and put out a statement earlier this month claiming that its Ka-226T Sergei was well poised to “defeat” Eurocopter for the Indian deal. Anyway, my sources tell me a decision is expected soon. Stay tuned.
As per specifications Ka-226T appears to be better.
Specifications…
Eurocopter AS550 Fennec ist probably the most reliable aircraft among the contenders, and is European made. I'm not sure the Russian quality standards equal the european ones.
This is another scam by MOD. When our own LOH is being at the final stages, they want to import stuff and make money. No planning. No vision. All losers and bribe takers in the MOD.
^^ How do U know that ?? Just looking at pictures ?
The Fennec is a French helicopter (most Eurocopter choppers are EC-xxx but those that are AS-xxx mean AeroSpatiale: the French company which became part of Eurocopter). Even though India has a good history with French helicopters (Alouette/Chetak for example), it is doubtful that the Indian Armed Forces would order 200 Franco-European choppers and 126+ French fighter jets both :-/
Do you have an update on lch??
" I hav been… promised a huge —… i am working on the plans… to park and transfer… the impending funds… i am making sure that… i will get an incentive… even if i go early…"
The eurocopter have to wait for orders, till China or Pak attacks India.
The Ka 226T is a joke. When the trials took place Kamov was tested minus cabin to accomodate payload. What does one say to that???
Plus, Ka 226T is much heavier than the Eurocopter Fennec
Why should they ask the Army. let them go to the MoD.
split the order between the two.
Any idea when the commercial bids are to be opened for the RSH???