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India has a large fleet of transport aircraft, but most of these
aircraft have become obsolete and need replacement. On January
2007 HAL of India signed an agreement with Russian Irkut and
Rosoboronexport companies, to participate in the development
and production of the Multirole
Transport Aircraft, (MTA). The twin engine aircraft will
have a load capacity of 20 tons and will be designed for the
transportation of military and commercial cargo. The aircraft
will be designed to operate from most basic runways, including
high mountainous areas.
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While India is already pursuing joint development with Russia,
of a transport aircraft, US companies are realizing the opportunity
to offer modern transport planes for the near term. Lockheed
Martin brought the C-130J Super
Hercules to Bangalore, and Boeing demonstrated the C-17
Globemaster III. C-27 light tactical transport could also
be considered as a replacement for the aging An-32, providing
a near-term light transport replacement. EADS highlighted the
fact that the Airbus M-400 could be an option for India's medium
transport fleet but its chances are slim, given the fact that
India is already engaged in joint development of the Indo-Russian
MTA.
Boeing is also promoting heavy transport aircraft and helicopters
in India, and at the airshow the company displayed both the
C-17 Globemaster III and the latest version of the Chinook helicopter,
the new CH-47F.
Our report will cover the following topics:
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