Indian Armed Forces Acquiring Large Numbers Of Helicopters

Indian Armed Forces Acquiring Large Numbers Of Helicopters

(NSI News Source Info) February 9, 2009: Major helicopter acquisitions planned by the Minisry of Defense are challenging Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. to expand its helicopter production capacity, in preparation of initial deliveries of locally produced helicopters by the year 2015.

The Indian Army and Air Force are panning to acquire 384 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH), of which 187 are expected to be locally built at HAL.

A Dhruv Helicopter of India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) (C) lifts off in front of a group of photographers at The HAL helicopter division in Bangalore, 16 August 2007. India has carried out the first flight of a weaponised combat helicopter it is developing to equip its own armed forces as well as potential overseas customers including Turkey. State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) said the Dhruv, as the advanced light helicopter is known, was a "birthday gift" to the nation that 15 August, celebrated 60 years of independence from British colonial rule.

The helicopter is intended to replace the ageing Chetak and Cheetah (locally built Alouette II and III) helicopters in use by Indian army and air force since the mid 70s. Agusta/Westland, Bell Helicopter of the US, Eurocopter, and the Russian Kamov and Sikorsky are among the companies competing for the LUH program. The Indian aerospace company is expected to conclude talks about foreign participation in both programs during the Aero-India airshow. ‘We have already started preliminary work to design, develop and produce indigenous light utility helicopters (LUH) and medium lift helicopters for the three services,’ said HAL chairman Ashok Baweja. Apart from the 3 ton LUH, the company plans to introduce a new Medium Lift Helicopters, a 10-15 ton class, to fit the requirements of the Indian Navy, for combat, and search and rescue (SAR) missions. The same platform could also be utilized by the Indian Coast Guard, challenged with heightened security concerns in Indian waters. Another helicopter, already operating with the Indian Navy is the Dhruv. This helicopter will soon receive a more powerful engine. HAL is considering the EJ-200 engine. Another derivative of the platform. The prototype of the long delayed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is expected to be ready by the second half of 2009.