The Indian Ministry of Defense has initiated selection procedures for the purchase of two hundred multirole light helicopters for the Armed Forces.
The international bidding process has captured the interest of the Indian Army, which requires one hundred and twenty units. The remaining eighty units are for the Indian Air Force.
The new helicopters will replace the remaining Cheetah/Chetak employed primarily in the country’s mountainous regions, thanks to their excellent high-altitude operation capabilities.
New Delhi’s Ministry of Defense stipulates that the helicopters should primarily be set up in India, with deliveries to be completed by 2033.
Although the bidding process is open to foreign competitors, the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is the favored contender.
Characteristics of the Light Utility Helicopter
The LUH is a new-generation single-engine three-tonne helicopter designed and developed internally by HAL’s Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre. It is suited for the diverse operational conditions typical of India.
The LUH is powered by Safran Helicopter Engine’s Ardiden 1U turboshaft engine, providing adequate power margins for comfortable high-altitude missions in the Himalayas.
The helicopter features an advanced Glass Cockpit display system and a state-of-the-art Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS), and is designed for various service and military roles.
Source and photo credit: Indian Ministry of Defense
