International helicopter makers AgustaWestland, manufacturer of the state-of-the-art AW101 choppers, is all set to get a contract for the supply of 12 VVIP helicopters. The deal is worth about EUR400 million (Rs2,600 crore) but is expected to go up to EUR600 million (Rs3,900 crore) as India is planning to ask the suppliers to install a few more equipment on the choppers, it was reported. A Field Evaluation done by the Indian Air Force (IAF) has recommended the AW101 helicopters, as the machine that would be safe, spacious, high-powered and comfortable to be used to ferry the Indian president, prime minister, and other top VVIPs across the country. The US president uses the same helicopter, codenamed Marine One. The Indian newspaper report said that,the AW101's nearest competitor, American Sikorsky S-92 Superhawk, was found incompatible with the requirements of the IAF on several counts-mainly its capacity to carry the required number of people.
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