CH-47F to join IAF fleet
ROTORHUB 06 December 2012 - 10:24 by Neelam Mathews in New Delhi India has confirmed its purchase of 15 Boeing Chinook CH-47F Chinook heavy-lift helicopters for the Indian Air Force (IAF), sealing the fate of the Russian Mi-26T. Both the helicopters had qualified for technical trials and it is understood the CH-47F scored on lifecycle costs, a vital ingredient in all request for proposals released by India. ‘The cost of the contract will depend upon the outcome of the contract negotiation with the L1 vendor [lowest bidder], which has not yet concluded,’ defence minister AK Antony announced in parliament on 5 December. The field evaluation trials for the CH-47F helicopters conducted by the IAF ‘have found them to be compliant with all the stated Air Staff Qualitative Requirements’, added Antony. He said ‘divulging further details… may not be in the interest of national security’. Boeing is expected to sign the contract by April 2013 and delivery ...