The Romanian defence ministry has invited tenders from partners willing to finance the stalled IAR Brasov AH-1RO Dracula helicopter programme.
IAR president Neculai Banea says that 11 international banks and financial institutions are expected to offer loans of up to $1.5 billion to fund the attack helicopter.
The Government is expected to choose a financing package by mid-March, and work could begin this year, with IAR manufacturing 96 airframes under licence from Bell Helicopter Textron, and Turbomecanica manufacturing dynamic components, and engines under licence from General Electric.
The helicopter is derived from the Bell AH-1W Super Cobra, powered by two GE T700-GE-401 turboshafts. Prime subcontractor for the Dracula's weapons and avionics is Elbit of Israel.
Progress on the programme was halted in 1997 when Romania cut defence spending to meet International Monetary Fund targets.
Source: Flight International