'Hal Is Involved In Major Development Programmes'

HAL is engaged in the design, development, manufacture, repair, overhaul, and upgrade and servicing of a wide range of aircraft, helicopters, aero-engines, avionics, accessories and aerospace structures, says R MADHAVAN, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL in this conversation with Geopolitics.

What are the aerospace projects underway at HAL?

The major development programmes at HAL are:

Rotary Wing

a) Light Combat Helicopter (LCH): LCH is a twin-engine helicopter being developed to meet the need of combat helicopters for the IAF and the Indian Army. A total of four TD helicopters are built. The IOC for LCH was accorded on August 26, 2017 in the presence of the Defence Minister. The production activities were launched on this occasion. HAL has received RFP for acquisition of 15 LCH and the proposal has been submitted to MoD.

b) Light Utility Helicopter (LUH): The LUH is a single engine, 3-Tonne weight class helicopter having Glass Cockpit with Multi-Function Displays. The first technical flight of LUH PT-1 was successfully conducted on September 6, 2016.

Two prototypes are currently under flight testing.

Fixed Wing

c) Basic Turboprop Trainer Aircraft (HTT-40): HTT-40 is a Basic Trainer aircraft being indigenously designed and developed by HAL. The programme has been taken up with internal funding. The maiden flight of the aircraft was successfully carried out on May 31, 2016 and inaugural flight in the presence of the Defence Minister was held on June 17, 2016. Currently, two prototypes of the aircraft are under flight testing.

d) LCA Mk 1A: HAL has proposed an improved version of LCA (i.e. LCA Mk1A) with enhanced capabilities like AESA Radar, BVR Missile, SelfProtection Jammer (SPJ) and Air to Air Refuelling (AAR), designated as LCA Mk1A, for which development activities are under progress. HAL received RFP for acquisition of 83 LCA Mk1A and proposal has been submitted to MoD.

UAV