The Indian government is reviewing responses from 11 companies interested in meeting a coast guard requirement for two new maritime surveillance aircraft, writes Shyam Ravindran. Expected to be worth around $55 million, the programme has attracted bids from Antonov, ATR, Bombardier, Dassault, EADS Casa, EADS Dornier, Embraer, Hindustan Aeronautics, Ilyushin, Lockheed Martin and Saab.
In addition to its maritime surveillance role, the selected aircraft will be required to conduct duties such as search and rescue and fisheries protection, and could also serve as a command and control platform. The twin-engined aircraft should have a patrol speed of 97-220kt (180-405km/h), an endurance of at least eight hours and a range of up to 3,700km (2,000nm). The short take-off and landing aircraft should be available for operations in all weather conditions, and will be equipped with a search radar providing 360¡ coverage.
Source: Flight International