Air Force plans to revamp choppers for VVIP and Prime Minister transpo

[AVERAGE INDIAN]

Air Force plans to revamp choppers for VVIP and Prime Minister transport

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is awaiting nod from the government for converting some of its latest Mi-17V5 helicopters into VVIP class vehicles to ferry the President and Prime Minister.

After the acquisition of AgustaWestland's AW-101 helicopters was blocked over allegations of corruption, the IAF was looking for options for a secured VVIP flying.

A call will have to be made soon as the ageing Mi-8s, which are being used in the elite communication squadron, are already on life expansion.

One of the options is to use some of the newly acquired Mi-17V5s, the most advanced military helicopters in service, for flying the VVIPs.

A meeting was held with the outgoing PMO functionaries but it remained inconclusive.

The IAF has sought another meeting with security officials to discuss the procedures.

Since the Special Protection Group (SPG), which guards the Prime Minister, is the main stakeholder, their inputs are necessary.

Sources said a number of modifications will have to be made in the helicopter to save a dignitary from any possible attack.

The Mi-17V5s are troop and equipment carriers that can also be used in armed role.

For flying the VVIPs, it will have to undergo changes like adding a new cabin that not only is comfortable for the VVIP but also secure.

Since modifying the helicopter would be an in-house job, it will have its own limitations as any drastic changes will require help of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

Sources said the help from the OEM may be sought if the work is beyond the scope of internal arrangement.
Most advanced chopper

Some of the basic additions planned is strengthening the outer structure with an armoured plating as a protection against bullets.

The cockpit has to be secured with bullet proof glass as the crew could also be the targets.

The medical evacuation apparatus will also be fitted along with sensors and communication devices like jammers.

Even the Mi-8s, which are used currently, do not have modern protection suite like advanced navigation aids and anti-missile system.

The three-engine AW-101 was purchased with specific role of VVIP protection and was tailor made for the job.

The three helicopters were received but they have been mothballed till the resolution of the issue.

Till the time a decision is taken on the dedicated VVIP helicopters, the IAF has to make interim arrangements.

Read more: Air Force plans to revamp choppers for VVIP and Prime Minister transport | Mail Online
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[Voldemort]

Re: Air Force plans to revamp choppers for VVIP and Prime Minister tra

Spend less on VIP transport and spend more on actual requirements.

 

[AVERAGE INDIAN]

Re: Air Force plans to revamp choppers for VVIP and Prime Minister tra

Spend less on VIP transport and spend more on actual requirements.

Deal scrapped, but 3 AgustaWestland choppers gather dust

Three helicopters that India bought from beleaguered Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland, which were meant to ferry the prime minister and the president, are gathering dust at an air base in New Delhi.

Far from being 'VVIP choppers', the three AW101 helicopters sitting on Palam Technical air base are turning into dead weight with each passing day. For the last six months, their engines have been packed and their especially trained pilots have been deputed to other air bases following the previous UPA government's decision to scrap the Rs 36,000 crore deal over violation of an integrity clause. AgustaWestland is alleged to have paid kickbacks to swing the deal for 12 choppers for India. Following the allegations, the deal was put on hold and was eventually scrapped in January 2014. The ministry of defence had then initiated a process to 'blacklist' the defence giant from doing business with India.

The new BJP-led NDA government is reviewing all pending defence projects, but there is no clarity on what will become of these three choppers, which arrived here in December 2012 as the first batch of the scheduled delivery.

"Though no instructions have come from the government, the pilots have stopped flying the AW101s," said a ministry official on condition of anonymity. "For the past six months, these choppers have been grounded and are mothballing. Their engines have been packed and the flying officers have been transferred to other units."

In July 2012, about a dozen Indian Air Force pilots and flying officers were sent to Britain for four months to learn to fly the AW101. All these flying officers and pilots are now posted at other air bases.

After canceling the deal, the defence ministry has been trying to encash bank guarantees worth over Rs 2,400 crore deposited by AgustaWestland in banks in India and Italy. Recently, an Italian court allowed it to encash over Rs 1,800 crore of the Rs 2,200 crore deposited in guarantees in an Italian bank. The ministry has already encashed guarantees worth over Rs 200 crore from banks in India.

"The deal is heading towards a legal battle. No decision has been taken on what to do with these three choppers that the IAF got. The three choppers are occupying parking space at the air force base. A decision needs to be taken in this regard," said a source.

Deal scrapped, but 3 AgustaWestland choppers gather dust | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis

 

[Kaalapani]

Re: Air Force plans to revamp choppers for VVIP and Prime Minister tra

Deal scrapped, but 3 AgustaWestland choppers gather dust

Three helicopters that India bought from beleaguered Anglo-Italian firm AgustaWestland, which were meant to ferry the prime minister and the president, are gathering dust at an air base in New Delhi.

Far from being 'VVIP choppers', the three AW101 helicopters sitting on Palam Technical air base are turning into dead weight with each passing day. For the last six months, their engines have been packed and their especially trained pilots have been deputed to other air bases following the previous UPA government's decision to scrap the Rs 36,000 crore deal over violation of an integrity clause. AgustaWestland is alleged to have paid kickbacks to swing the deal for 12 choppers for India. Following the allegations, the deal was put on hold and was eventually scrapped in January 2014. The ministry of defence had then initiated a process to 'blacklist' the defence giant from doing business with India.

The new BJP-led NDA government is reviewing all pending defence projects, but there is no clarity on what will become of these three choppers, which arrived here in December 2012 as the first batch of the scheduled delivery.

"Though no instructions have come from the government, the pilots have stopped flying the AW101s," said a ministry official on condition of anonymity. "For the past six months, these choppers have been grounded and are mothballing. Their engines have been packed and the flying officers have been transferred to other units."

In July 2012, about a dozen Indian Air Force pilots and flying officers were sent to Britain for four months to learn to fly the AW101. All these flying officers and pilots are now posted at other air bases.

After canceling the deal, the defence ministry has been trying to encash bank guarantees worth over Rs 2,400 crore deposited by AgustaWestland in banks in India and Italy. Recently, an Italian court allowed it to encash over Rs 1,800 crore of the Rs 2,200 crore deposited in guarantees in an Italian bank. The ministry has already encashed guarantees worth over Rs 200 crore from banks in India.

"The deal is heading towards a legal battle. No decision has been taken on what to do with these three choppers that the IAF got. The three choppers are occupying parking space at the air force base. A decision needs to be taken in this regard," said a source.

Deal scrapped, but 3 AgustaWestland choppers gather dust | Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis

Will DRDO,HAL use those three choppers to study and reverse engineer?

 

[AVERAGE INDIAN]

Re: Air Force plans to revamp choppers for VVIP and Prime Minister tra

Will DRDO,HAL use those three choppers to study and reverse engineer?

i think we are not going to do it based on our track record

 

[Kaalapani]

Re: Air Force plans to revamp choppers for VVIP and Prime Minister tra

i think we are not going to do it based on our track record

Avinash chandar has issued a statement to beg borrow and steal.

 

[SajeevJino]

Re: Air Force plans to revamp choppers for VVIP and Prime Minister tra

From the Chief of Air Staff

IS: IS: How is the IAF coping up in the aftermath of the stalled/
cancelled VVIP helicopter programme? Does the IAF have a 'Plan
B' to ensure safe and efficient rotary wing capability to meet the
VVIP/VIP requirements? Please explain.


CAS:

The IAF has initiated a case in consultation with concerned
agencies for modifying a few Mi-17 Series helicopters, for safe
and efficient conduct of VVIP operations. However, this is only an
interim measure.

..:: India Strategic ::. IAF: Exclusive Interview: Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha

Mi 17 is going to be VVIP for temporary ..so they looking for another platform later

 

[Hari Sud]

Re: Air Force plans to revamp choppers for VVIP and Prime Minister tra

Make no haste in VVIP helicopters.

Augusta and Finmechnica are about to apologize and make amends. They will make full disclosure and pay a penalty as the courts desire. After that the three helicopters in India and half a dozen more in UK being built will be finally delivered usable.

The VVIP until then can take the other helicopters, if they have to.

 

[rugved]

Re: Air Force plans to revamp choppers for VVIP and Prime Minister tra

Had the Indian government's shown an equal, if not more amount of sincerity in the allocation of funds and the sense of urgency in clearing the orders in the case of our air force requirements, things would have been so much better.