NEW DELHI (PTI): The government has invited proposals for procuring multi-barrel gatlin guns which can be mounted on MI-17 and 'Dhruv' helicopters for use by security forces like the NSG and para-military commandos.

A Quality Requirements (QRs) specification has been floated by the Home Ministry to procure six-barrel guns also known as Dillon Aero Guns, presently used by NATO forces.

The weapon is mounted on helicopters to launch devastating aerial attacks on enemy positions on the ground and also protect troops on-board from fires and rocket attacks emanating from the surface.

The gun will be able to hit a target in the range of 1000 metres including areas inside dense jungles and hideouts and is enabled with night vision capabilities.

The QRs have specified that the gun, to be operated by two people, with an operating system which can be electric or gas run, should be capable to be mounted on the MI-17 and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) 'Dhruv' which have been recently deployed for anti-Naxal operations in the country with bases at Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Raipur (Chhattisgarh).

It has been specifically stated that the 7.62mm calibre gun should have the compatibility to run on country-made ammunition.