Date:07/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/07/stories/2007120760460100.htm

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State-of-the-art chopper for State by April

The 15-seater helicopter will be primarily for use by the Chief Minister

A file photo of AW 139

HYDERABAD: A swank 15-seater helicopter is being acquired by the State Government, primarily for use by the Chief Minister, though it can also be deployed in cases of emergencies.

The Government will get delivery of the new generation helicopter, AW 139, manufactured by Italian chopper-major AgustaWestland by next April. The intermediate range chopper, being equipped with GenNext avionics, will have a host of features facilitating day and night all-weather operations. Estimated to cost a whopping Rs. 40 crore, the custom-designed chopper will have specialised VVIP interior kit, with Interphone, besides offering video entertainment on liquid crystal display screens. It will replace the ageing Bell helicopter acquired when N. Chandrababu Naidu was the Chief Minister.Equipped with night landing facilities, the helicopter can be used in times of emergency for airlifting people.

Its interiors can be adjusted to carry six to seven patients on stretchers. The chopper is fitted with infra-red night viewing devices to patrol troubled areas.

Flying training

The technology used in the helicopter is so advanced that the Government has deputed an officer equivalent to the rank of Wing Commander in the Air Force to undergo flying training. “We have placed the order in April and completed all other formalities with the company,” Andhra Pradesh Aviation Corporation managing director K.V. Brahmananda Reddy told The Hindu.