Technical and financial bids of two international and one domestic were opened

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The process of purchasing modern government helicopters has almost reached the final stage. Three companies, including those from France and Italy, and one national company participated in the bidding process initiated by the aviation department. The technical and financial bids of the companies have been opened and scrutinized. Now, the matter will be taken up in a high-powered committee that will select one of the three companies to supply the state helicopter and then Cabinet approval will be sought. The estimated cost of the helicopter is around Rs 125 crore.

An aviation department official told Free Press that three companies – Airbus (France), Leonardo Spa (Italy) and domestic company HAL have participated in the bidding. The Technical Committee of the Directorate of Aviation Department has analyzed the technical bids of the three bidders and submitted its report to the Aviation Department. The committee assessed the features and features of the helicopters offered by the three companies to ensure that they meet the requirements of the state government.

State Eurocopter

People having knowledge of the matter said that the state government currently has 'Eurocopter' EC 155 helicopter, which is about 12-13 years old. It was purchased from France based Air Bus Company. A lot of money is spent on its maintenance, hence the need was felt to purchase a new helicopter with modern facilities.

desired characteristics

The government is looking for a helicopter that can seat 8 to 10 passengers (including two VIP seats and all other general seats) along with two pilots in the main cabin. The helicopter must be equipped with instruments compatible with VFR and IFR and be capable of flying day and night CAT AO operations. Under the performance category, the government wants a helicopter that is capable of flying 300 nmi (including mandatory reserve) with full payload without the need for refueling.

“We are almost in the final stages of purchasing a new modern helicopter. The work order will be issued after getting proper approval from the cabinet. This is what Aviation Department Commissioner Chandramouli Shukla has to say.