LUHs get clearance; ALH delivered at Aero India 2021
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is giving a big thrust for indigenous R&D programmes towards self-reliance and enhancing operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
This was stated by HAL Chairman and Managing Director R Madhavan as the industrial group’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) received the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for the Indian Army from Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) Aero India 2021 at Air Force Station Yehalanka, Bengaluru, on 5 Feb 2021.
Director (Engg. and R&D) Arup Chatterjee added that the performance of the basic LUH 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 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 and Chetak helicopters operated by the Services.
The LUH is powered by a single turbo shaft engine Ardiden 1U from Safran Helicopter Engine (SHE) of France with adequate power margins to accomplish high altitude missions in 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 satisfactorily.
HAL has also handed over three Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk III to Indian Navy and two ALHs to Indian Coast Guard as part of its 16 ALHs contract Aero India 2021.
The ALH has clogged close to 3,00,000 cumulative flight hours and proven its mettle in versatile operations. The ALH Mk III is fitted with state-of-the-art glass cockpit and powerful Shakti engine.
The contract involves integration of 19 major systems with the existing ALH MK III that include IFF MKXII & ATC Xpdr with ADS-B Out, V/UHF Communication System, Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance (TCAS-I), SAR Homer system, Automatic Deployable Emergency Locator Transmitter (ADELT), Loud Hailer, Radio altimeter, Rescue Basket, Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), IADS System, AFCS, Digital Video Recording System (SSDVR), Automatic Identification System (AIS), High Intensity Search Light (HISL), Pressure Refueling System, Control grips, EO POD Rev III, Surveillance Radar System and 12.7 mm Gun system.
Meanwhile, IAF and HAL have operationalised an e-Portal as part of Inter-Organisational Information Sharing System (IOIS) during the Aero India 2021.
The e-Portal will optimize long-term sustenance planning and reduce repair and overhaul cycle time. This will facilitate smooth, safe and secure method of data transfer between the two organisations. This will enhance optimization of task and increase efficiency in productivity and availability of spares to IAF. It will also reduce the time for finalization of tasking and budgetary quotation processes.
The initiative was launched by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria.
The e-Portal will bolster the competencies of both the organisations and will lead to increased serviceability of IAF weapon systems. It will also facilitate secure information sharing between IAF and HAL for better coordination, improved transparency and faster decision-making, the Defence Ministry said on 5 Feb 2021.
Madhavan said the customer-centric portal would go a long way in leveraging the benefits of information sharing in real time. It will also enable the visibility of HAL repair milestones, provide instantaneous Budgetory quotations against IAF orders and give information on status of supply against Aircraft on Ground and tasks involved. #manufacturing #makeinIndia #Defence #researchanddevelopment /fiinews.com
