MULTI-PURPOSE CHOPPER: Eurocopter's AS 550 C3 Fennec can be equipped with axial weapons.

BANGALORE: Partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) could prove decisive for American aviation giant Bell Helicopter Textron and leading helicopter maker Eurocopter in their competitive bid for the Indian Army Aviation deal for 197 reconnaissance and observation helicopters.

In response to Bell's offer of 407 helicopter, Eurocopter has demonstrated its AS 550 C3 Fennec, a multi-purpose single-engine aircraft for reconnaissance, observation, fire support, protection and combat missions. The helicopter could be equipped with axial weapons such as rocket-launchers and machine-guns, side firing cannon, and anti-tank missiles or air-to-air missiles.

The Indian Army's selection is expected early next year. The chosen firm will supply 60 helicopters in flyaway condition and the rest will be manufactured under licence at HAL. With its 40-year-old engagement with HAL on the Cheetah and Chetak platforms, Eurocopter feels it has an edge.

But Bell recently signed a memorandum of association with HAL to explore areas of cooperation for supply of airframe sub-assemblies and product support in mutually beneficial projects. The American firm had also indicated its readiness to set up a helicopter pilot training institute and chopper servicing and maintenance facility here.

If HAL produced tail rotor blades for Bell's 206 type helicopters, Eurocopter's latest airframe work packages with HAL only point to the growing competition between the two helicopter majors. Eurocopter also worked with HAL during the 1990s on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) project, providing technical assistance in assembly dynamics.

As part of its tender for 197 light helicopters, the Indian Army had witnessed a high altitude, hot temperature trial by Eurocopter's Fennec 550 C3 helicopter. "There have been many trials in the past two years. This helicopter could be the natural successor of Cheetah. The aircraft is capable of day and night military operations and covers a mission spectrum from attack, anti-tank to training, cargo, sling transport, medical evacuation and search and rescue," an official of Eurocopter told The Hindu.

Eurocopter, the official maintained, was ready to offer 100 per cent transfer of technology on Fennec, including its engine, to the Indian industry. "India will have full production capability and complete autonomy. Our proposal is for the latest version of Fennec," the official said.

Fennec has a cruise speed of 253 km. ph. at maximum weight and a range of 648 km/350 nm, taking off at maximum weight. It has a capacity of one pilot and five troops (1,400 kg with sling).

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