Manufacturer bids to secure deal with Indian offshore support operator
India's state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) is actively pursuing an option to acquire up to 10 multirole Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) from Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) as it seeks to expand its offshore exploration activities.
ONGC operates helicopters under lease from New Delhi-based Pawan Hans. However, a source suggests HAL has successfully demonstrated the ALH's suitability as an offshore helicopter in a series of tests, including take-off and landing from oil platforms and floating and unmanned rigs. "ONGC has a pressing need for medium helicopters for its offshore operations, and demanded a series of demonstrations," the source says.
The source says HAL's flagship ALH has still not made a significant impact in the market for its manufacturer, which is keen to attract civil and defence customers willing to buy the helicopter in large numbers.
Meanwhile, HAL is offering the ALH to the Turkish federal police as a replacement for its 19 Mil Mi-17 helicopters. The aircraft will be equipped with Israel Aircraft Industries-designed integrated avionics. Specifically designed for helicopters, the system has a glass-cockpit concept and incorporates an electronic-warfare suite, day-and-night observation capability, a targeting system and a flexible armaments-carrying capability.
Bell, Eurocopter and Sikorsky are also competing for the contract, which is expected to be awarded later this year.
RADHAKRISHNA RAO/BANGALORE
ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY ARIE EGOZI IN TEL AVIV
Source: Flight International
