By IANS,
New Delhi: Eurocopter, the world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, will show a significant presence at Defexpo 2010, with its star product, the AS550 C3, participating in the ongoing trials for the reconnaissance and surveillance helicopter requirements of the Indian armed forces.
The premiere defence show in Asia, being organized by the Indian defence ministry, will see Eurocopter present its range of military choppers and state-of-the-art technology.
“By participating in the key RFPs (requests for proposals) with our best products, we hope to continue to support India acquire the right mission equipment and develop a strengthened aerospace industry,” said Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter’s senior vice president for sales and marketing in Asia.
“Over the next few months, we will also further our relationship with India by exploring opportunities for setting up joint ventures with our long time partners and establish a stronger footprint to provide end-to-end service to the country,” he added.
The AS550 C3, which is undergoing trials for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force requirements, will be one of the key products to be showcased at the Feb 15-18 DEFEXPO.
Also showcased will be specification and mock-up models of the EC 725, which is Eurocopter’s key offering for India’s multi-role helicopter requirements; and the Panther, which could meet the requirements of the Indian Coast Guard.
“With reference to both the Indian military and civil markets, Eurocopter currently holds a leading position achieved through strong partnerships. In the military space, Eurocopter has had a fruitful association with India for over four decades through two co-operation agreements with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL),” a company statement said.
The relationship started with a license production enabling HAL to manufacture more than 600 helicopters of the Alouette 3 and Lama types (Cheetah/Chetak). In 1984, HAL associated with Eurocopter in the development of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
“The cooperation with HAL has been further strenghtened with Eurocopter outsourcing metallic and composite work packages and today HAL is part of Eurocopter’s global supply chain by producing Ecureuil/Fennec airframes, joining the ranks of very few select tier-one suppliers,” the statement said.
“In the civil space, Eurocopter has successfully formed partnerships in both public and private sectors with Pawan Hans Helicopters Limited and Indocopters. These partnerships cover the entire spectrum of helicopter activities, from manufacturing to operations, maintenance and product support,” the statement added.
In 2009, Eurocopter confirmed its position as the world’s No. 1 helicopter manufacturer in the civil and parapublic market with a turnover of 4.6 billion euros.
More than 10,500 Eurocopter helicopters are currently in service with over 2,800 customers in more than 140 countries.