HAL opens new facility
Indian aerospace manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has opened a new factory in Gubbi, Karnataka
The factory will initially be used to produce HAL’s light utility helicopter (LUH) – a single-engine multi-purpose utility craft designed for both military and civilian use.
It is planned to initially produce around 30 aircraft of this type per year, but can be modified to produce up to 90 helicopters if required.
The LUH is capable of flying at 220km/h, with a service ceiling of 6.5km and a range of 350km, with a 500kg payload. It is designed for use in a range of roles, including search and rescue, reconnaissance and general transport.
The factory will also provide maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, and will eventually be used to produce the Indian Multi Role Helicopter – a medium-lift aircraft currently in development. HAL stated that it intends for the facility to eventually be a ‘one-stop solution for all helicopter requirements of the country’.
HAL delivered the last of 16 ‘Dhruv’ Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) to the Indian Coast Guard in November 2022.
Oliver Cuenca
Oliver Cuenca is a Junior Editor at AirMed&Rescue. He was previously a News and Features Journalist for the rail magazine IRJ until 2021, and studied MA Magazine Journalism at Cardiff University. His favourite helicopter is the AW169 – the workhorse of the UK air ambulance sector! He also led the creation of Waypoint: The AirMed&Rescue podcast, serving as its Production Editor and co-host.