Eurocopter in pact with HAL

Eurocopter has entered into a global industrial cooperation partnership agreement with Bangalore-headquartered Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for joint production of the civilian/military ecureuil and fennec family of helicopters for the world market.

The world's leading helicopter manufacturer said it has set its sight on expanding its footprint in the Indian subcontinent through a series of measures, including the production of AS 350 B3 Ecureuil, a "world record" helicopter, in collaboration with HAL here.

According to a statement from Eurocopter, the agreement envisages the supply of composite and metallic structural assemblies for the Ecureuil and Fennec families.

Under the deal, HAL will supply the composite and metallic work packages, including the airframe for the two helicopters, for the world market.

In addition to this, the Cheetah and Chetak fleets of the Indian Army will soon be due for replacement. "The AS 350 B3 Ecureuil has already been officially proposed as their successor," according to Eurocopter.