WHAT'S HOT? –– ANALYSIS OF RECENT HAPPENINGS

New Delhi, 02 October 2015

Apache AH-64 attack helicopter

India's cabinet has approved the purchase of 22 Apache attack helicopters and 15 CH-47 Chinook helicopters made by U.S. manufacturer Boeing for $2.5 billion.

The 37 new helicopters will replace the Indian Air Force's present fleet of Mi-35 Hind-E helicopters.. The Indian Air Force could not buy both aircraft in 2012, due to budgetary constraints.

In July this year, Boeing and India's Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) entered an agreement to collaborate on aerospace and defense manufacturing and opportunities in integrated systems development. "It is noteworthy that TASL will produce Chinook helicopter parts in India even before the procurement contract is signed with the Indian government," Pratyush Kumar, president of Boeing India, said in a statement at the time.

The 22 Apache AH 64D Longbow is an advanced multi-role combat helicopter, and is designed to perform under extreme weather conditions. Not only does the Apache AH-64 — a multi-role attack helicopter — have guns that the gunner can control just by moving his head, it also boasts an impressive array of weaponry and a proven battlefield record

The deal marks the latest push by U.S. industry into India's security market, as Boeing announces a 'India's Time to Fly', an aerospace innovation summit scheduled for October 16. The event is part of a series of forums intended to celebrate Boeing's upcoming centennial in 2016.

American companies have over the last decade bagged defence contracts from India worth around $10 billion, including for aircraft like P-8I maritime surveillance planes, C-130J 'Super Hercules' and C-17 Globemaster-III in the transport category.

India will also be acquiring Hellfire missiles and rockets that make the Apache AH-64 such a formidable beast.

Specifications

Boeing AH-64 Apache Attack helicopter

The Boeing AH-64 Apache is a four-blade, twin-turboshaft attack helicopter with a tailwheel-type landing gear arrangement, and a tandem cockpit for a two-man crew.

Top speed: 293 km/h

Length: 18 m

Weight: 5,165 kg

Wingspan: 15 m

Engine type: Turboshaft

Number of seats: 2

Boeing CH-47 Chinook Aircraft model

The Boeing CH-47 Chinook is an American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter. Its primary roles are troop movement, artillery placement and battlefield resupply.

Introduced: 1962

Unit cost: 35,000,000–35,000,000 USD (2008)

Engine type: Turboshaft

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