In 1999, IAF had first proposed the replacement for its ageing Russian-origin Mi-8 helicopters, which are still being used by the elite Communication Squadron to ferry around President, PM and other top dignitaries.
The tender or the RFP (request for proposal) for eight new VVIP choppers was subsequently issued in 2002.
Of the four vendors that responded, only the Eurocopter EC-225 chopper passed muster as far as the requirement for being capable of flying at an "operational ceiling" of 6,000-metre was concerned.
The AW-101, then called the EH-101, could not participate since it was not certified at that time to fly at 6,000-metre.
With only the EC-225 figuring in the subsequent report submitted to the PMO, Mishra raised the question of the single-vendor situation.
The SPG also objected to the cabin height of 1.39-metre, holding it was not adequate for the VVIPs and the armed security personnel who would be on board as well as casualty evacuation.
"The cabin height, the SPG said, should be around 1.8-metre," said the source.
