Newstrack

Chile keen to buy HAL's Dhruv helicopters

Huma Sidiqquih - New Delhi

The state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) will soon be submitting its response to Chile's Request for Proposal (RFP) for the indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) 'Dhruv'. According to HAL officials, it has received the RFP from the Chilean Air Force for the 5.5 tonne, twin engine new generation helicopter which is currently in service in the Indian armed forces.

While HAL would be reponding to the RFP for for four to six machines for Chile, it will shortly be singing a contract with Bolivia for two Dhruvs. Another South American country, Peru has envisaged its interest in the 'Dhruv' as well. HAL director (corporate planning & marketing), M Fakruddin, says, "The requirement of helicopters by the Chilean Air Force was much more, but they would be going in for heavier class of choppers for which BELL and Eurocopter were in the race.”

HAL had been for some years demonstrating ALH in the terrains of Chile which was similar to India. The RFP comes in the wake of HAL receiving co-validation type certificate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) of Chile recently. Compliance of ALH with the requirements specified by the aviation regulation applicable in Chile was confirmed after detailed review of technical documents and flight tests on Dhruv.