Defense News ,India :- In a significant development, TATA Group and Airbus have entered into a collaborative agreement to jointly produce civilian helicopters, announced India's Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra on Friday. This strategic partnership was formalized during the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to India.
The collaboration builds upon the existing partnership between TATA and Airbus, where they are already engaged in the production of the C-295 transport aircraft in the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gujarat.
Speaking at a media briefing, Mr. Kwatra highlighted the essence of the industrial partnership, stating, "TATA and Airbus have signed an industrial partnership for the production of H125 helicopters with a substantial emphasis on indigenous and localization components."
As of now, there has been no immediate response from TATA and Airbus regarding this collaboration.
During President Macron's visit, discussions extended to further cooperation in the defense sector. Notably, there were talks about the potential involvement of French engine manufacturer Safran in the production of fighter jet engines in India. India's Ambassador to France, Jawed Ashraf, expressed Safran's willingness to engage in a complete transfer of technology encompassing design, development, certification, and production.
France holds the position of being India's second-largest arms supplier, and the nation has relied on French fighter jets for over four decades.
Additionally, the visit addressed concerns related to New Delhi-based French journalist Vanessa Dougnac, who received a notice from the Indian government regarding the potential cancellation of her visa. The government characterized Dougnac's work as "malicious," suggesting that it could "provoke disorder and disturb peace." In response, Dougnac issued a statement on Wednesday denying all allegations.
some of its key specifications:
Performance:
- Maximum takeoff weight: 5,225 lbs (2,370 kg)
- Fast cruise speed: 136 knots (252 km/h)
- Hover ceiling (out of ground effect): 12,600 ft (3,840 m)
- Range with standard fuel tanks: 340 nautical miles (630 km)
- Endurance with standard fuel tanks: 4 hours 27 minutes
Engine:
- Safran Helicopter Engines Arriel 2D turboshaft engine
- Dual-channel full authority digital engine control (FADEC) unit
- Third independent and automatic backup channel
- Automatic engine startup
Cabin:
- Height: 4 ft 26 in (1.30 m)
- Width: 6 ft 14 in (1.89 m)
- Length: 6 ft 56 in (2.02 m)
- Volume: 61 cu ft (1.73 cu m)
- Door height: 3 ft 60 in (1.10 m)
- Door width: 5 ft 63 in (1.71 m)
- Seating configurations: 4, 5, or 6 passengers
Other features:
- Five-bladed main rotor
- Starflex crash-resistant landing gear
- Heated windshield
- Air conditioning
- Full range of avionics options
The H125 is a popular choice for a variety of missions, including:
- Passenger transport
- Search and rescue
- Aerial work
- Law enforcement
- Medical evacuation
- VIP transport
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