The Hindu Business Line : Bell Helicopter open to setting up base in India

THE US-based helicopter major, Bell Helicopter, has said that it could set up a manufacturing base in India in case it is able to bag adequate business. Besides, the company is in talks with customers in diverse sectors including medical, commerce, oil, and homeland security for sale of its helicopters, the company's CEO, Mr Michael A. Redenbaugh, told newspersons.

"The potential here is tremendous. This is a hugely under-served market. It has been estimated that there is one commercial helicopter for every 10 million Indians although these machines that can be of immense use for a variety of purposes from saving lives to inspecting power lines," Mr Redenbaugh said.

The company, which is in the reckoning for supply of close to 200 helicopters to the Army, has indicated that if successful in winning the contract, more than 130 helicopters from the order would be built here.

The company may set up a base here along with HAL in case it wins the Army contract, officials indicated.

"We will not only be willing to transfer technology but there will also be some intellectual property rights transfers. The initial 60 helicopters will be brought in while the rest of the order will be manufactured here," Mr Redenbaugh said.

The company has offered the Bell 407 to the Army. Bell had approved HAL to become a component repair and overhaul facility for the Bell 407 in June 2003.

On his maiden trip to the country, Mr Redenbaugh will be travelling to Bangalore on Wednesday to meet with HAL officials to see how the ongoing relationship with the Indian company can be carried forward.

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