Jerusalem, Feb 04: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) will jointly manufacture an international version of advanced light helicopter (ALH), Dhruv, and set up a joint venture company for its global marketing. According to the agreement, IAI will develop and supply an advanced avionics for the 'Dhruv' helicopter, valued at tens of millions of dollars.
The companies have also signed a separate agreement to establish a joint venture company for the worldwide marketing and providing product support for the international version of the 'Dhruv' helicopter, IAI sources said.
The decision to proceed with an international version of the 'Dhruv' helicopter was finalised at a signing ceremony held at IAI headquarters at Ben Gurion International Airport, in Israel, company sources said.
IAI expects a multi-year order from the Indian armed forces for hundreds of helicopters that will be equipped with an avionics package supplied by it.
IAI and HAL are said to have received very positive feedback from potential customers for the 'Dhruv' advanced light helicopter, when a demonstrator prototype was displayed at the 2003 Paris Air Show and at the Aero-India Exhibition held in Bangalore last February.
Both companies will display the helicopter at the upcoming Fieda exhibition in Chile in March 2004.
US customs are said to have already showed interest in buying the helicopter, negotiations for which were mediated by IAI.
The ALH demonstration will feature IAI's integrated avionics package that was especially designed for helicopters. The 'glass cockpit' concept package, developed by IAI's Lahav division, utilises a comprehensive electronic warfare suite, day and night observation capability, a targeting system and a flexible armaments carrying system.
IAI will supply 'glass cockpit' avionics package to HAL especially designed to meet the requirements of both the Indian armed forces and other international customers.
Lahav's combat proven helicopter 'glass cockpit' avionics package will enable the 'Dhruv' to operate effectively and safely in modern battlefield conditions. Bureau Report