Boeing [BA] said last week it has submitted two proposals to the Indian Air Force, offering the AH-64D Apache and the CH-47F Chinook for India’s attack and heavy-lift helicopter competitions.
India is seeking 22 attack helicopters and 15 transport helicopters and has not set a date to announce the winning proposals.
“Boeing believes the Apache and Chinook helicopters are the most capable and cost-effective rotorcraft to meet India’s defense and transport requirements,” Vivek Lall, vice president and India country head for Boeing Integrated Defense Systems, said. “The Apache will be a capable and lethal defender of India’s troops and assets, while the Chinook will answer many of the country’s military and humanitarian needs.”
The combat-proven AH-64D Apache Longbow is the newest version of the Apache and a candidate to fulfill the attack helicopter and reconnaissance requirements of numerous armed forces worldwide.
The CH-47 Chinook helicopter is the world’s standard for providing heavy-lift and high-altitude transportation for a multitude of missions, with a proven track record of military, humanitarian, disaster-relief, search-and-rescue and firefighting missions on six continents in all climates and conditions.
If selected, Boeing will build the Apaches at its rotorcraft facility in Mesa, Ariz., and the Chinooks at its rotorcraft center in Ridley Park, Pa.
Suggested production rates and delivery schedules have not been disclosed.