Click to play videoBangalore: The Prime Minister and President have been using the Air Force's regular Mi 8 and Mi 7 helicopters till now, but soon the Indian Government plans to upgrade itself. It's planning to buy a fleet of 12 VVIP helicopters.
The European aerospace major Agusta Westland's AW101 is a top contender. It's the same helicopter model that's been booked by US President Barack Obama. The AW 101 has elite security systems and a level of comfort that one can't ever imagine in a helicopter.
"It's smooth, there's an active system to reduce vibration and you can talk at this level without any problem. This is because the inside is very quiet," said CEO, AgustaWestland, Giuseppe Orsi.
The AW101 has three engines so it can still fly if two fail. The helicopter's blades are anti-icing, it can float on water for a short while and can be fitted with extra security gadgets the Air Force may want.
"We're adapting to customer requirements. The interiors and avionics in accordance to their requirements," said exec VP, FinMeccanica, Filippo Bagnato.
The helicopter can even be ferried in transport plane, if the PM or President wants to travel abroad. The 30-seater helicopter also has a cushy special
lounge and will have a full fledged communications suite.
A VVIP helicopter will be at least ten times this kind of a helicopter in terms of luxury, connectivity and security. It's colloquially called the flying Oval Office and if India gets one, a flying PMO perhaps.
Westland and Sikorsky were the two companies shortlisted for the Indian VVIP fleet. Sikorsky's S-92 is used by 9 heads of States in the world, but the IAF has zeroed in on Westland recently.
The cost for each of these machines depend on systems the IAF decides to install. Experts say it could be upwards of $3 million each.
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