Bharat Rakshak

A probe by Italian prosecutors into allegations of corruption against state-backed defence major Finmeccanica has cast a shadow over a multi-million dollar deal that the company signed with India for 12 VVIP helicopters.
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I won't mind if this deal gets shafted , about time the veeeyepees get to know what a pain in the ass delays can be, just like our brave soldiers.

As far as Mi-17 goes the Russian president uses Mi-8 variant ( export designation Mi-17 ) for VIP roles and perhaps will continue to use it till Mi-38 takes over.

Here are some pics of Presidential Mi-17

Mi-8

KOLKATA: In keeping with the government's policy to upgrade military infrastructure in the eastern and northeastern parts of the country, the newly acquired multi-purpose Mi-5 V5 helicopters have been stationed at the IAF's base at Bagdogra in north Bengal. These helicopters were inducted into the IAF last week in Delhi.

The first batch of helicopters was received and inducted into the Eastern Air Command at Bagdogra by Air Vice Marshal KS Gill, Senior Officer Administration, EAC.

These helicopters are an upgraded version of the Mi-17 choppers already in use by the Indian Air Force. They have highly automated avionics, multi-functional displays, sophisticated navigation systems and a range of weapons that can be used during combat mode. Their powerful engines will enable the armed forces to react quickly in high altitudes.

"The new helicopters have special night vision capabilities that enable them to carry out low-altitude operations even when it is pitch dark. The weather radar on board gives it all-weather capability. For several years now, the Special Forces have been practicing night operations in difficult terrain the the North East. These helicopters will be ideal for such operations, even if they are carried out in high altitude terrain," an official said.

Bagdogra is one of the most crucial air bases in the eastern part of the country due to its strategic location. It is located close to the narrow 'chicken neck' region that connects the North East to the rest of the country. The role of the air base will be crucial in the case of an attempt to cut off the North East from the remaining part of the country.

Apart from defensive purposes, the air base has an important role to play during disasters - natural or otherwise. After the earthquake in Sikkim, all air operations were conducted from Bagdogra. Mi-17 choppers had to be brought in from Assam then as Bagdogra only had the smaller Chetaks and Cheetahs.

12 VVIP helicopters

http://tarmak007.blogspot.in/2012/02/alh-rudra-ready-to-spit-fire-hal.html

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Sikorsky's Executive Vice President for India and South Asia, Air Vice Marshal Arvind Jeet Singh Walia (retd), told India Strategic defence magazine (www.indiastrategic.in) that at present the offer was to make a naval variant of the famous Black Hawk, designated MH-70B Sea Hawk, if the Indian Navy opts to buy this aircraft.

The Indian Navy should have a requirement for more than 100 helicopters of this type, and if the Sea Hawk is chosen, there would be appreciable Transfer of Technology and manufacturing capability to India, subject of course to an agreement between the Indian and US Governments.

If selected, the MH-70B could be co-produced in India under what is called the Buy-and-Make category of the defence ministry's Defence Procurement Procedure (DPP), he said.

At present, the navy has an RfP (Request for Proposals or tender) for 16 helicopters with an option for eight more twin-engine, 12.5 tonne category helicopters. But there are indications for nearly a 100 more, Walia said, adding: "The technical and financial evaluation process is on and a decision is due any time."
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HAL seems to want to keep all the major work to itself

PROBE IN PROCUREMENT OF 12 VVIP HELICOPTERS

There was a media report stating that the scope of a probe by Italian prosecutors into allegations against unethical dealings by M/s Finmeccanica, Italy has widened to include the Indian contract signed with M/s Agusta Westland for purchase of 12 helicopters. Ministry of Defence asked for a report in the matter from the Indian Embassy in Rome. The report received indicates that Italian magistrate/prosecutors are conducting preliminary investigation about allegations of financial mal-practices occurring within M/s Finmeccanica, Italy and its subsidiaries in general and there is no specific probe being conducted about India related transactions.

AVAILABILITY OF HELICOPTERS FOR HIGH ALTITUDE AREAS

The air logistics including casualty evacuation in emergent situations of Indian Army is being met by Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters. The Army's rotary wing assets also assist the IAF.

A Request for Proposal (RFP) / for hiring of civil helicopters for movement of maintenance supplies in high altitude areas was issued in October 2011, which included details of dispatch and receiving helipads.

The security situation is reviewed by the Government from time to time, keeping in view the threat perception. This is a continuous process.

HELICOPTERS EMPLOYED IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES

The Indian Air Force helicopters are assisting in providing logistics support in aid of Ministry of Home Affairs anti-naxal operations.

Details of helicopters pressed in service in the foreign countries cannot be divulged in the interest of friendly relations with foreign countries and strategic concerns.

PURCHASE OF LUHS

There is a proposal of procurement of 187 Light Utility Helicopters (LUHs) under design and development project undertaken by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The project was sanctioned by Government of India in February 2009. The project is proceeding as per approved time lines.

US-based chopper manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, part of United Technologies Corp, and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) have applied for a defence licence to manufacture components and assemble helicopters for use by the Indian Navy, according to Steve Estill, vice-president (strategic partnerships), Sikorsky.

“The licence will pave the way for us to set up an assembly line in this country. We will decide on our plans once we hear from the Ministry of Defence. We expect our application to be cleared from the ministry in the second quarter of this financial year,” he told mediapersons here on Monday.
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A couple of recent pics of TD-2 just before a test flight
and
a pic in the cockpit of an ALH during a recent flight test at high altitude somewhere over the clear skies over Bangalore!
- Hari

That's not an "IFR Probe" (not sure if there's any such thing)- its an airspeed calibration probe. It sticks out clear beyond the "dirty" air under the main rotor and measures the airspeed.
The Yellow pylon mounted things are (temporarily located) aircraft airspeed probes.