HAL may bag orders to make Bell choppers

Bangalore: Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) is expected to bag an order for manufacturing Bell 407 Shen helicopter in co-operation with Bell — the US helicopter major.
Sources said HAL may manufacture about 130 copters in the arrangement with Bell. The copters are for Indian Army that, sources say, has opted for the Bell 407 over Eurocopters Fennec.
The Army had shortlisted Bell 407 and Fennec for the replacement of ageing Chetak /Cheetah class of copters. The Army has planned to replace 197 of these copters.
Bell will manufacture around 60 helicopters at its facility in Texas while the rest would be co-manufactured by HAL following transfer of technology.
Earlier this year, HAL assembled one Bell-407 for civilian use. Sources say officials were impressed with how quickly and easily the four-man crew was able to assemble the chopper.
22/09/06 Prashanth G N/Times of India

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