HAL opens new facility

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.