Bell Fighting Eurocopter Win in India

Bell and the U.S government are protesting the India defense ministry's of Eurocopter to supply 197 light helicopters to the Indian army, according to The Sunday Express. The newspaper said Bell and U.S. officials reportedly have met the Indian ambassador in Washington about the choice of the AS550 over the Bell 407 for the $600-million deal. It said Bell had been disqualified by army evaluators for failing to meet requirements: a three-axis autopilot capable of landing the helicopter safely in case of mechanical and human failure and a hoist to lift a 350-lb (160-kg) payload on rescue missions. Bell says it can meet both requirements, according to the paper. For related news