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In an attempt to utilise the current budget allocation, the Indian Defence Ministry is expected to ink a deal with Italian major, Augusta Westland, for 12 AW-101 VVIP helicopters. These helicopters will be supplied to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and will be used by the President and the Prime Minister of India.
Agusta Westland, part of the Finmeccanica’s helicopter division, is the frontrunner for the multi-million contract for 12 AW-101 VVIP helicopters. The Cabinet Committee on Security and the Indian Finance ministry have given their approval in December 2009. Sources said that the multimillion contract has been evaluated by the IAF and each helicopter is worth Rupees 310 crore each.
The new helicopter AW-101 will be replacing the Russian Mi-17 helicopters, currently with the Indian VVIP transport squadron called Air Headquarters Communication Squadron. The AW-101 helicopters will have flare dispensers, directed infrared countermeasures or infrared jammers, electronic support measures like radio frequency (RF) heads and a laser detection and warning system. The navigation system includes a GPS and inertial navigation system, VHF Omnidirectional Radio range (VOR) instrument landing system (ILS), tactical air navigation (TACAN) and automatic direction finding.
In 2008, the AW-101 by, Agusta Westland, was selected after competing against the Sikorsky S-92 “Superhawk” in field trials in 2008. One primary requirement for India was that the helicopter must have “a high tail boom” to allow the Prime Minister’s car to come closer to the rear exit staircase, for reduced exposure to threats. The new helicopter can even be ferried in a transport plane for international travel. The 30-seater helicopter also has a special lounge and will have a full-fledged communication suite.
The Agusta Westland AW-101 is a medium-lift helicopter for military applications, but also marketed for civil use. It was called the EH-101, until June 2007, and was developed as a joint venture between Westland Helicopters in the UK and Agusta in Italy.
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