The Bell 407 Eurocopter Story Indiadefence

The Indian Army needed high altitude multi purpose helicopters badly and got sanction for 187 from the Government and sent out RFPs. Finally two helicopters the Bell 407 and the Eurocopter Fennec went through trials which ended in 2007. According to all inputs the Bell 407 performed better and in final trials in high altitude the Army asked both helicopters to remain overnite in snow bound climes. Next day Bell started up but Fennec failed and so Eurocopter was given time to fly in new batteries and continue the trials. There are 23 Bells are successfully operationg in India and US Army has selected a version of the Bell 407 while there are 3 Fennecs in India. medai reported that the compnay Vectra owned by NRI Mr Rishi living in London was the Eurocopter go between and is very influential with the Congrss government. His employee Lt Gen Saighal has brother Lt Gen Seghal who had a hand in the final trial report and MOD began discussing supply and Price Negotiations with Eurocopter with out any intimation to BELL so there has been objections ................but in India defence deals all have individual preferences and reasons so the deal may go to Eurocopter but Defence Minister A K Antony has said the order is still not finalised. Watch this blog.