 Chinook CH-47. Photo Credit: Boeing IntroductionThe Indian Air Force (IAF) is procuring 15 heavy lift helicopters, primarily to ferry the BAe Land Systems M777 ultra-light howitzers that the Indian Army plans to acquire from the US under FMS, for use along India's mountainous border with China. India invited bids for for 15 heavy-lift helicopters in May 2009. Along with the 22 Attack Helicopters being procured, the bid is valued at $2 billion. Boeing (CH-47F Chinook) and Mil (Mi-26 T2) submitted competing bids. The Chinook can lift loads up to 10.8 t with a mission radius of 200 nm. The Mi-26 can lift 20t ton load and has a mission radius of 500 nm. Both Boeing Chinook and Mi-26 T2 bids were found to be technically compliant. In October 2012, it was reported that the Boeing bid was more competitively priced. Commercial negotiations and finalization of contract is expected to start shortly. In a press release on December 5, 2012, GOI in a press release confirmed that Boeing had emerged the L1 bidder. Chinook General Characteristics:The CH-47F features a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Aviation Architecture Cockpit and advanced cargo-handling capabilities that complement the aircraft’s mission performance and handling characteristics. Propulsion: 2 Honeywell 55-GA-714A engines, 4,733 shp (3,529 kW) each Speed: 170 kt (315 km/h) Service Ceiling: 20,000 feet Useful Load: 24,000 lbs. (10,886 kg) Mission Radius: 200 nm (370.4 km) Max Gross Weight: 50,000 lbs. (22,668 kg) Fuel: 1,034 gal. (3,914 L) Length: Fuselage – 52.0 ft. (15.9 m) Incl. Rotors – 99.0 ft. (30.18 m) Width: 12.42 ft (3.78 m) Rotor Diameter: 60 ft. (18.29 m) Height: 18.92 ft. (5.77 m) The Chinook has been in U.S. Army service since 1962. The currently underway CH-47F/MH-47G modernization program will ensure this tandem rotor medium-lift helicopter remains in the Army fleet at least through the 2030s. It is conceivable that Chinooks will be Army Aviation assets for a century or more.  Mi-26. Photo Credit: Mil Mi-26 T2 General characteristicsThe Mi-26T2 is an improved version of the Mi-26T equipped with BREO-26 airborne electronic system allowing it to fly at any time of day and night under good and bad weather conditions. The helicopter features a glass cockpit and can be operated by a crew of two, instead of 6 as in the Mi-26. Propulsion: 2 × Lotarev D-136 turboshafts, 8,500 kW (11,399 shp) each Maximum speed: 295 km/h (159 kt, 183 mph) Cruise speed: 255 km/h (137 kt, 158 mph) Range: 1,920 km (1,036 nmi, 1,190 mi) (with auxiliary tanks) Service ceiling: 4,600 m (15,100 ft) Max takeoff weight: 56,000 kg (123,450 lb) Empty weight: 28,200 kg (62,170 lb) Loaded weight: 49,600 kg (109,350 lb) Length: 40.025 m (131 ft 3¾ in) (rotors turning) Rotor diameter: 32.00 m (105 ft 0 in) Height: 8.145 m (26 ft 8¾ in) Disc area: 804.25 m2 (8,656.8 ft²) |
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Air Force Projects > Helicopters >
Heavy Lift Helicopters for IAF |