India gives Cheetah helicopter to Namibian Air Force, two Chetaks in pipeline

Bangalore, Feb 10 (ANI): India's defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has handed over a Cheetah Helicopter to the Namibian Air Force at the Aero India 2011 here, with two more Chetaks helicopters in pipeline to be delivered by middle of this year.

As per the contract, HAL will also supply two Chetak helicopters to Namibia by June this year.

HAL's Managing Director P. Soundara Rajan handed the chopper to Namibian Defence Minister Major General (retired) Charles Namolah on the first day Asia's largest air show at the Yelahanka air base.

"We will provide ground support equipment, ground handling equipment and initial set of spares for maintaining the copter, besides training to Namibian pilots and ground crew," Rajan said at the event.

The chopper is powered by a Turbomeca Artosute III B turboshaft engine and is designed to operate over a wide range of weight, centre of gravity and altitude conditions.

The versatile multi role, multipurpose helicopter is highly maneuverable and rugged in construction. Due to its excellent power weight ratio, the Cheetah is one of the best suited helicopters for operations in hot tropical weather and mission at high altitude.

HAL and Namibia had signed the agreement in April 2009 for supply of two Chetaks and one Cheetah helicopters along with associated equipment. By Praful Kumar Singh (ANI)