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IAF eyes Chinook heavy lift helicopters
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February 10, 2007 02:17 IST

India has evinced keen interest in buying the world's most capable heavy-lift helicopter 'Chinook,' manufactured by Boeing.

Revealing this to media persons in Bangalore, Company Regional Director (Asia Pacific) Dean Mallsap said that though no official statement had been made, Boeing had received an indirect response from the Indian Air Force for at least 12 Chinook choppers, valued at around $600 million.

The request for proposal from the Indian government was expected during the second quarter this year, he said, adding that the price included training and other support services.

Mallsap said it will take from 20 to 34 months to ensure the implementation of the delivery from the date of issue of the RFP.

Explaining the salient features of the helicopter, he said that it comprised of advanced technology with multi-mission capability, which can be used for national defence, disaster relief, humanitarian aid and nation building.

It was capable of external transport of over 24,500 pounds of equipment and internal transport of 55 troops or two combat-equipped jeep vehicles. It would be in active service through 2050, he added.

He said it had proven reliable, rugged and easy to maintain in more than 18 countries. The company had manufactured over 1,000 aircraft to date.

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