Rosoboronexport delivered Ka-31 helicopters to China

Representative of Rosoboronexport which is the state intermediary company in arms export and import reported about delivery of Russian radar surveillance helicopters Ka-31 to China during press-conference at Airshow China 2010 held in Nov 16-21 in Zhuhai, informs Aviation Explorer.

We recall that Rosoboronexport's deputy director general Alexander Mikheev said at international exhibition HeliRussia-2010 held in Moscow in May 2010 that the contract provides delivery of nine Ka-31 helicopters to China.

Ka-31 helicopters are made by JSC Kamov which is a member of Helicopters of Russia holding. The onboard radar is capable to detect and track up to 20 targets simultaneously at the distance up to 150 km (aircrafts) and up to 285 km (surface ships). These helicopters are in service with Russian Navy; 9 were exported to India under a $207-mln contract.

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India Issues RFI For Naval Multi-Role Helicopters For ASW Purpose

India has issued a request for information for a naval multi-role helicopter (NMRH) to complement its existing fleet of Westland Sea King 42 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters.


The RFI calls for helicopters with a maximum all-up weight of between 9t and 12.5t. The NMRH, which will be expected to serve for 30 years, should have the capacity for 10% weight growth throughout its service life without hurting performance.

The navy foresees three primary roles: ASW, anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and special operations. Secondary roles include electronic intelligence, search and rescue (SAR), external cargo carrying, casualty evacuation and combat SAR.

Candidate helicopters must be able to operate from ships as small as the navy's Godavari-class frigates. They also need to be able to fit in shipboard hangars with a length of 15.5m (50.8ft), a width of 5.5m and a height of 5.3m.


"The NMRH should be a contemporary design with modern, reliable and fuel-efficient engines and fully integrated advanced avionics/weapons suite employing the latest concepts for detection, identification, classification of surface and sub-surface targets along with the ability to detect air targets," the RFI said.


It also outlines performance requirements for two variants: one focused on ASW/ASuW and the other for special operations.
For the former variant, India seeks an aircraft that can autonomously locate and destroy submarines, compile an integrated picture of the situation above and below the surface, and operate in all weather conditions.


The special operations variant needs the capability to carry unguided rockets and guns.
Possible candidates for the requirement could include the Lockheed Martin/Sikorsky MH-60R and NH Industries' NH90. The deal will require a minimum 30% offset obligation under Indian laws.

Source: http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2011/06/17/358100/india-issues-rfi-for-multi-role-naval-helicopters.html

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