Published On:January 13 2025
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LUH Production Delays Easing, HAL Set to Finalize Deal in Q2.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Maharatna defense PSU, is preparing to sign a contract for the supply of Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) to the Indian Army and Indian Air Force in the second quarter of this year. The LUHs will replace the aging World War II-era Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. HAL is currently completing the final stages of certification and resolving a few remaining issues with the new-generation rotary aircraft.

Sources within HAL revealed that production delays for the LUH were initially caused by setbacks in the flight control system software, which was purchased from Safran Electronics. These delays were influenced by COVID-19 supply chain disruptions, followed by additional challenges from Safran. However, the flight control system has now been delivered, installed in the LUH, and is undergoing certification testing. HAL is also addressing other technical adjustments with the assistance of an international lab in the Netherlands.

Despite these setbacks, HAL has completed other key certification activities, including ground testing, vehicle endurance runs, and flight trials under various conditions such as hot and cold weather, sea level, and high-altitude environments. The results from these trials have met all basic helicopter certification requirements.

Although the Indian Army has expressed some concerns about signing the contract before completing all processes, HAL is keen to finalize the deal soon. The company expects a 24-month lead time for delivery after the contract is signed.

HAL has already built six LUHs as part of its development efforts, each weighing three tons and powered by a single turbo-shaft engine, the Ardiden 1U from Safran Helicopter Engines. The initial procurement plan includes 12 helicopters—six for the Army and six for the Air Force. This is part of a larger plan by the Army Aviation Corps to procure 225 LUHs to replace older helicopters, with ongoing negotiations for 110 units.

The LUH, indigenously designed and developed by HAL’s Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre, received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for the Indian Army in February 2021 from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC). Equipped with advanced features such as a Smart Cockpit Display System (Glass Cockpit) and Health & Usage Monitoring System (HUMS), the LUH is designed for diverse roles, including operations in challenging environments such as the high-altitude Himalayas.

HBL





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