Russia and France Face-off in 197 LUH Tender

[Armand2REP]

The results of the tender to supply the Indian Air Force and Army with 197 reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters are expected to be announced soon. All the test phases have been completed and the examination of bids is at final stage.



It should be noted that both aircraft run on Turbomeca engines and that Fennec won the last cancelled tender.

 

[asianobserve]

I like the Ka-226T. Externally, it seems more updated and over all better engineered. Of course without looking into the specs... But can Russia deliver on time?

 

[asianobserve]

Academically, here are the general specs of these aircrafts:

Eurocopter Fennec
Eurocopter Fennec - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

General characteristics
Crew: 2
Capacity: 4 passengers
Length: 10.93 m (35 ft 10 in) (fuselage length), 12.94 m (42 ft 6 in) (overall length, rotors turning)
Height: 3.34 m (10 ft 11 in)
Empty weight: 1,220 kg (2,690 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 2,250 kg (4,960 lb)
Fuel capacity: 540 L (143 US Gal)
Powerplant: 1 × Turbomeca Arriel 2B turboshaft, 632 kW (847 shp) (limited to 500 kW (671 shp for take-off)
Main rotor diameter: 10.69 m (35 ft 1 in)
Main rotor area: 89.75 m2 (966.1 sq ft)

Performance
Maximum speed: 246 km/h (153 mph; 133 kn) (max cruise)
Never exceed speed: 287 km/h (178 mph; 155 kn)
Range: 648 km (403 mi; 350 nmi)
Service ceiling: 5,280 m (17,323 ft)
Rate of climb: 10.30 m/s (2,028 ft/min)


Kamov Ka-226
Kamov Ka-226 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

General characteristics
Crew: 1
Passengers: 9
Cargo: 1,400kg internally, or 1,500kg on an external sling
Length: 8.1 m (25 ft 7 in)
Main rotor diameter: 2× 13 m (42 ft 8 in)
Height: 4.15 m (13 ft 7 in)
Gross weight: 3400 kg (7496 lb)
Powerplant: 2 × Turbomeca Arrius 2G1, 335 kW (450 hp) each

Performance
Maximum speed: 205 km/h (127 mph)
Cruising speed: 195 km/h (121 mph)
Range: 600 km (372 miles)
Service ceiling: 6200 m (20300 ft) - This is increased to as much as 7000 m with the Turbomeca Arrius engine
Hover ceiling: 2500 m (8200 ft)

 

[Parthy]

I would prefer Ka-226 as it's an excellent platform for future development and will be a good learning for HAL.. Thanks to Russia's good offset deal provided with this offer.. I feel Fennec is much similar platform to our Dhruv but not ruling out its potent and proved capability!!!

 

[Armand2REP]

You can't weaponise Ka-226 and Fennec is already fitted with the same weapons used by Dhruv.

 

[debasree]

we should go for french one

 

[pmaitra]

Layman's PoV on Ka-226 and Fennec.

Ka-226

• Coaxial Rotors offer better stability and fuel efficiency.
• Extremely modular.
• The Helicopter Plant in Kazan, Tatarstan, where this is made, is known to be pretty professional in meeting deadlines.

Fennec

• Less maintenance for the simpler rotor design.
• Already weaponised with overlap with HAL Dhruv.
• Engine is French and not sourced from a different country.