Indian Navy Invites Bids for Light Utility Helicopters
AIN Defense Perspective » August 17, 2012 by Neelam Mathews The Indian Navy wants to replace its aging HAL Chetaks, a license-built version of the French Alouette III. The Indian Navy has issued a request for proposal ( RFP ) for 56 light utility helicopters ( LUH ) to eight OEMs, including government-owned Hindustan Aeronautics ( HAL ). Submissions are due by January 7 next year, with the winner expected to enter service in 2016. The navy wants to replace its fleet of HAL Chetak helicopters, a license-built version of the Alouette III . Of the 85 Chetaks that the navy received up to 2002, approximately 60 remain in service. In addition, the coast guard operates 17. Submission periods are usually around three months, and the additional three months provided under this RFP are intended to give HAL time to prepare its concept and submit performance parameters that...