New Delhi: The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) has received the initial operational clearance (IOC) for the Indian Army from Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the ongoing Aero India 2021 at Air Force Station Yehalanka, Bengaluru on Friday, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) said in an official statement on Friday.
HAL's Chairman and Managing Director R Madhavan said the thrust is being given by HAL for indigenous research and development programmes towards self-reliance and enhancing operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
HAL's Director (Engineering and R&D) Arup Chatterjee stated that the performance of the basic helicopter in all terrains and under all weather conditions is satisfactory. HAL is currently in the phase of integrating and flight-testing mission role equipment on LUH. HAL is fully geared up to fulfil the requirements of the customers in a time-bound manner.
The LUH is a three-ton class new generation single-engine helicopter indigenously designed and developed by Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre of HAL with features suitable for operations in the diverse operating conditions unique to India. The LUH will replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah or Chetak helicopters operated by the services.
The LUH is powered by a single turboshaft engine Ardiden 1U from M/s Safran Helicopter Engine (SHE), France, with adequate power margins to accomplish high altitude missions in the Himalayas with ease. LUH is equipped with Smart Cockpit Display System (Glass Cockpit), state-of-the-art HUMS (Health & Usage Monitoring System) and is designed for various utility and armed roles.
All certification activities like ground testing, Ground Test Vehicle endurance runs, system testing, flight testing, including hot weather trials, cold weather trials, sea level trials and hot weather high altitude trials have been completed. Based on the flight trials carried out, all PJSQR requirements for basic helicopter certification have been complied with satisfactorily.
(PSU Watch– India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy is now on Telegram. Join PSU Watch Channel in your Telegram and stay updated)