101-587: The HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) , along with its derivative, Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) , was designed and developed by the Rotary Wing Research and Design Center (RWR&DC), one of the R&;D sections of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), for civilian and military applications. These are intended to replace license-built versions of Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama (designated Cheetah) and Aérospatiale Alouette III (designated Chetak) in service with
202-403: A lobo mau heli-cannon. The Portuguese practice was for the troops to jump from the canibais when the helicopters were hovering two-three metres above the ground – famous images of these disembarking troops became an iconic image of the war. The landing of the troops was covered by the lobo mau . While the troops performed the ground assault, the canibais moved away from the combat zone, while
303-873: A victory marking , which was the only aircraft to receive such a mark in the entire Republic of Korea Armed Forces . The Alouette III was also operated as a rescue helicopter, responding to major incidents such as the crash of Asiana Airlines Flight 733 in Mokpo , Republic of Korea , on 26 July 1993. Following the introduction of the Westland Lynx during the early 1990s, the Alouette IIIs were diverted to secondary roles, such as training, and were gradually phased out of service. A substantial number were withdrawn in 2006. South Korea's remaining Alouette IIIs were withdrawn from service in December 2019. The nation of Rhodesia emerged as
404-568: A 2017 contract for 8 additional Chetak. The last (or latest for new) new Chetak was delivered in 2021, and in 2022 marked 60 years of service in India. By the 2020s over 350 Hal Chetak had been produced. During the 1960s, Pakistan purchased a fleet of 35 Alouette III helicopters to equip the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). These saw active combat during the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971 , in which
505-657: A commercial success amongst both civil and military customers. Further variants were also developed; amongst these was a high-altitude derivative, designated as the SA 315B Lama , which entered operational service during July 1971. The Alouette III was principally manufactured by Aérospatiale ; the type was also built under licence by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in India as the HAL Chetak , by Industria Aeronautică Română (IAR) in Romania as
606-655: A cruise speed of 235 km/h, maximum speed of 260 km/h, service ceiling of up to 6.5 km, a range of 350 km with maximum take-off weight of 3.12 tonne and an empty weight of 1.91 tonne. The LUH will be capable of accommodating a maximum of two pilots and six passengers, all of which shall be seated on crash-worthy seats; externally, it is capable of carrying cargoes of up to 1 tonne under-slung. LUH with glass cockpit will be able to undertake various missions, including emergency medical services (EMS), troop transport, utility, search and rescue (S&R), VVIP , aerial reconnaissance and surveillance missions. LUH
707-654: A current or anticipated theatre of operations as would be feasibly possible. The Alouette III served for over 44 years in the South African Air Force (SAAF); it is believed that 121 examples were acquired between 1962 and 1975 for the service from France. During 1966, by which point the SAAF had built up a fleet of around 50 Alouette IIIs already, it was decided to dispatch several of the type to support ground troops stationed in South West Africa attempting to contain
808-463: A delegation of officials to Helicopter Division of HAL, during which he undertook a 45 minute sortie in LUH. ICG is evaluating replacement of Chetak helicopters in fleet with the LUH. By 2021, 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
909-641: A disassembled state to Australia . Following their assembly, these were used by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at the Woomera Rocket Range for light passenger transport purpose and to assist in the recovery of missile parts in the aftermath of test launches conducted at the Range. Between 1967 and 1969 Austria acquired 12 SE3160 Alouette IIIs which were upgraded to version SE316B. They are used for liaison and transport purposes and still play
1010-523: A few years prior, Joseph Szydlowski , the founder of Turbomeca , had successfully managed to develop the Artouste , a 260 hp (190 kW) single shaft turbine engine derived from his Orédon turbine engine. An improved version of this engine was combined with the revised design to quickly produce a new helicopter, initially known as the SE 3130 Alouette II . During April 1956, the first production Alouette II
1111-686: A higher level of external visibility for the pilot as well as for greater aerodynamic efficiency via the adoption of a highly streamlined exterior. On 28 February 1959, the first prototype SE 3160 performed its maiden flight , piloted by French aviator Jean Boulet . Shortly thereafter, the SE 3160 would become more commonly known as the Alouette III. During its flight test programme, the prototype demonstrated its high altitude capabilities on several occasions; in June 1959, it landed at an altitude of over 4,000 metres in
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#17330849087191212-515: A long history of flying laurels. Portugal was the first country to use the Alouette III in combat. In 1963, during the Overseas Wars in Angola , Mozambique and Portuguese Guinea , Portugal began using Alouette IIIs in combat, mainly in air assault and medevac operations, where it proved its qualities. Besides the basic transport version (code named canibal , plural canibais ), Portugal used
1313-471: A modular and gaugeless design, consisting of five assembly jigs and a coupling jig, had been developed and validated using Computer Aided Measurement System (CAMS) to establish high accuracy and stability, which produces smooth and flawless 'First off' structure build. In March 2014, HAL promoted its LUH's capabilities as a civilian multirole helicopter, noting its ability to carry up to six passengers in an appropriate configuration. Following repeated delays to
1414-506: A pair of external stretcher panniers), crop-spraying, personnel transportation, and for carrying external loads. By the 2010s, many operators were in the process of drawing down their fleets and replacing them with more modern types; the French military intend to replace their Alouette IIIs with the newly developed Airbus Helicopters H160 . The Alouette III has its origins with an earlier helicopter design by French aircraft manufacturer Sud-Est ,
1515-658: A prolific user of both the Alouette II and its enlarged sibling, the Alouette III. Early operations were flown with an emphasis on its use by the Rhodesian Army and British South Africa Police , including paramilitary and aerial reconnaissance operations. Throughout the 1960s, the type progressively spread into additional roles, including aerial supply , casualty evacuation , communications relays, and troop-transports. Rhodesian aerial operations would typically involve flying under relatively high and hot conditions, which reduced
1616-401: A radar and armed with rockets, guns, depth charges and a single light anti-submarine torpedo. During the frantic training period in 1978 to meet wartime needs, a sole SA-319B was accidentally damaged, leading to it being placed in storage and subsequently repaired back to an airworthy condition years later. All ten Chilean Navy SA-319Bs were operational and in excellent conditions by the end of
1717-412: A single HAL/Turbomeca Shakti turboshaft engine and possessing a range of up to 500 km (270 nm) and a payload capacity of up to 500 kg (1,100 lb). In March 2010, HAL announced that it had decided to proceed on the LUH project alone, without any international partner participating in its development. In February 2011, HAL unveiled a full-sized mockup of its LUH design. At this point,
1818-530: A smaller number of Alouette IIs. They played a major part in the Rhodesian Forces' Fireforce doctrine, in which they would rapidly deploy ground troops, function as aerial observation and command posts, and provide mobile fire support as armed gunships. In order to improve performance, Rhodesia's Alouette fleet was subject to extensive modifications during its service life, including changes to their refueling apparatus, gun sights, and cabin fittings, along with
1919-536: A special version of the Alouette III with a MG 151 20 mm autocannon mounted in the rear in order to fire from the left side door; it was designated helicanhão (heli-cannon) and code named lobo mau ( big bad wolf ). In the Overseas Wars, the Portuguese usually launched air assaults with groups of six or seven Alouette III: five or six canibais – each usually carrying five paratroopers or commandos – and
2020-414: A support platform for performing South African counterstrike operations inside neighbouring Namibia and Angola . Reportedly, a total of eight Alouette IIIs had been listed as having been lost over the conflict zone by the end of the war. By 1990, there were a total of 70 Alouette III helicopters remaining in active service. Throughout the course of its service life with the SAAF, the Alouette III fleet
2121-508: A variant of their Bell 407 helicopter; according to Bell, the high offset requirements had made any bid less feasible and thus the company chose to withdraw from the Indian military market. Rival firm Russian Helicopters , submitting its Kamov Ka-226T , was another major competitor for the competition. Shortly after the selection of the Ka-226T to meet the requirement, during December 2015, an agreement
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#17330849087192222-524: A vital role in rescue missions in the high mountains of Austria with their side-mounted hook. They are stationed in Aigen im Ennstal , Klagenfurt and Schwaz in Tirol. Austria plans to decommission them beginning in 2023, they are being replaced by Leonardo AW169M. In addition to the original order, three more used Alouette III were acquired from other forces to replace attrition. Indian civilian authorities and
2323-633: Is 158. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was formed on 1 October 1964 (the Registrar of Companies has a registration date of 16 August 1963) when Hindustan Aircraft Limited joined the consortium formed in June by the IAF Aircraft Manufacturing Depot, Kanpur (at the time manufacturing HS748 under licence) and the group recently set up to manufacture MiG-21 under licence, with its new factories planned in Koraput, Nasik and Hyderabad. Though HAL
2424-490: Is a single-engine, light utility helicopter developed by French aircraft company Sud Aviation . During its production life, it proved to be a relatively popular rotorcraft; including multiple licensed manufacturers , more than 2,000 units were built. The Alouette III was developed as an enlarged derivative of the earlier and highly successful Alouette II . Sharing many elements with its predecessor while offering an extra pair of seats and other refinements, it quickly became
2525-462: Is expected to be finalized within the next 18-20 months, with deliveries projected to commence from 2026 onward. In September 2024, a report by The Hindu confirmed that the Army has a requirement of 225 units of LUH and a deal of 110 units is in the cost negotiation stage. The HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a 3-tonne class highly agile new generation light helicopter. According to HAL, it possesses
2626-560: Is managed by a board of directors appointed by the President of India through the Ministry of Defence , Government of India. In 2024, the company was given Maharatna status. HAL is currently involved in the designing and manufacturing of fighter jets, helicopters, jet engine and marine gas turbine engine, avionics, hardware development, spares supply, overhauling and upgrading of Indian military aircraft . The HAL HF-24 Marut fighter-bomber
2727-469: Is one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defence manufacturers in the world. HAL began aircraft manufacturing as early as 1942 with licensed production of Harlow PC-5 , Curtiss P-36 Hawk and Vultee A-31 Vengeance for the Indian Air Force . HAL currently has 11 dedicated Research and development (R&D) centres and 21 manufacturing divisions under 4 production units spread across India. HAL
2828-716: Is planned for 2021, following tests focused on its automatic flight control system (AFCS). During an official visit on 7 October 2021, Director General of Army Aviation Corps Lt Gen AK Suri flew the final test sortie in Light Utility Helicopter which successfully completed the Army Acceptance Trial. HAL LUH is now ready for induction by the Indian Armed Forces. From August 2022, HAL will start flight trial of limited series production (LSP) platform. The Indian Coast Guard Director General V S Pathania lead
2929-460: Is planning to replace them with the modern LUH. The Army has a deficiency of the light helicopters. There are around 190 units of these helicopters of which at least 25 are in MRO at HAL. This is down from 246 units in count. In fact, around 134 of the helicopters are about 30 to 50 years old and are nearing the end of its Total Technical Life (TTL). Also, Air Force operates 120 of these helicopters including
3030-411: Is powered by a single 750 KW rated Shakti-1U turboshaft engine derived from Safran Ardiden , co-developed by HAL and Turbomeca . It supports dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system along with backup fuel control system. The helicopter will be equipped with a glass cockpit featuring a Smart Cockpit Display System (SCDS) along with a skid-based landing gear arrangement. LUH
3131-571: Is the only helicopter in the 3 ton class to have foldable rotors. HAL also has HTSE-1200 under development to replace Shakti-1U engines with an indigenous solution. LUH is equipped with Smart Cockpit Display System (Glass Cockpit), state-of-the-art HUMS (Health & Usage Monitoring System). HAL on 20 October 2022, awarded the contract for design and development of night vision goggles for LUH to MKU . It will be powered by Generation 3 (GEN III) technology. The development will be handled by Netro Optronics division at MKU. Data from Jane's All
HAL Light Utility Helicopter - Misplaced Pages Continue
3232-617: The Bir Uttam gallantry award, operated the helicopter. During 1977, the Chilean Navy ordered a batch of ten SA-319Bs. These rotorcraft, which were delivered by the middle of 1978, were only made operational just before the peak of the Beagle conflict between Chile and neighbouring Argentina. The Alouette III was the first real organic maritime ship borne tactical helicopter to be operated by Chile's naval forces; for this role, they were equipped with
3333-577: The French Alps at an altitude of 4,810 metres (15,780 feet), an unprecedented altitude for such activities by a helicopter at the time. The same helicopter again demonstrated the type ' s extraordinary performance in November 1960 by making take-offs and landings with a crew of two and a payload of 250 kg (551 lbs) in the Himalayas at an altitude of 6,004 metres (19,698 feet). During June 2004,
3434-670: The French Army for an initial batch of 50 Alouette IIIs during June 1961, the first two customers of the rotorcraft were in fact export sales, having been sold outside of France. The Alouette III was specifically designed to fly at high altitudes, as such, it quickly earned a reputation for its favourable characteristics during rescue operations. According to its manufacturer, it was the first helicopter to present an effective multi-mission capability and performance to match with its diverse mission range in both civil or military circles. The SE 3160 model continued to be produced until 1968, when it
3535-539: The HAL Tejas and HAL Dhruv . HAL also developed an advanced version of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-21 , known as MiG-21 Bison , which increased its life-span by more than 20 years. HAL has also obtained several multimillion-dollar contracts from leading international aerospace firms such as Airbus , Boeing and Honeywell to manufacture aircraft spare parts and engines. By 2012, HAL was reportedly bogged down in
3636-515: The IAR 316 and F+W Emmen in Switzerland . Similar to the Alouette II, in military service, it was used to perform missions such as aerial observation, photography, air-sea rescue , liaison, transport and training; it could also be armed with anti-tank missiles, anti-shipping torpedoes, and a fixed cannon. In a civilian capacity, the Alouette III was commonly used for casualty evacuation (often fitted with
3737-654: The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force . The first seven-seater French-origin Alouette III helicopters were introduced by the IAF in 1962. A year later, in 1965, the HAL gave the IAF its first Alouette III, named HAL Chetak , produced under licence. Furthermore, HAL and France struck a contract in 1970 for the local production of the five-seater SA-315B Lama helicopters, which were later christened HAL Cheetah when they were delivered to
3838-590: The Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) from Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Aero India 2021 on 5 February 2021. The Tumakur assembly line will become fully operational from March 2022. As per a government report from the Rajya Sabha , the Army and IAF will get two LSP each from 2022-23. After that HAL will start rolling out series production (SP) variants. The gearbox
3939-452: The Ministry of Defence 's (MoD) department of Defence Research and Development. The Indian Army has requested a final demonstration trial prior to the LUH goes into mass production. HAL announced the completion of the final demonstration trial on 9 September 2020, which involved envelope expansion, performance, flying qualities, payload and landing capabilities at the highest altitudes of Siachen Glacier . The Final Operational Clearance (FOC)
4040-561: The Mont Blanc mountain range and, during October 1960, it was able to achieve the same feat at an altitude more than 6,000 metres in the Himalayas . During these attempts, it was flown by Jean Boulet, who was accompanied by a pair of passengers and 250 kg of equipment. During 1961, the initial SE 3160 model of the type entered serial production. On 15 December 1961, the Alouette III received its airworthiness certificate , clearing it to enter operational service. Despite an order placed by
4141-589: The Republic of Korea Navy started operating 12 Alouette IIIs. It was typically dispatched aboard several destroyers in an anti-submarine capacity. On 13 August 1983, the Republic of Korea Navy discovered a naval vessel of the Korean People's Army that had entering their sea. A single Alouette III engaged the spy ship and destroyed it using an AS.12 missile; following the mission, the specific helicopter involved received
HAL Light Utility Helicopter - Misplaced Pages Continue
4242-475: The SE 3120 Alouette , which, while breaking several helicopter speed and distance records in July 1953, was deemed to have been too complex to be realistic commercial product. Having received financial backing from the French government, which had taken an official interest in the venture, the earlier design was used as a starting point for a new rotorcraft that would harness the newly developed turboshaft engine; only
4343-491: The Zimbabwean Air Force ; South African newspaper Mail & Guardian claimed that the rotorcraft could be used to sway politics in the nation in favour of the incumbent President , Robert Mugabe . However, during February 2013, an interim court order was issued which blocked the proposed sale of South African Alouette IIIs to Zimbabwe. In February 2014, reports emerged that South Africa now intended to sell part of
4444-439: The lobo mau stayed to provide fire support, destroying enemy resistance and concentration points with the fire from its 20 mm autocannon. Once the ground combat had finished, the canibais returned; firstly to collect the wounded, then the rest of the troops. In April 2020, the last of Portugal's SE3160 Alouette IIIs were withdrawn from service, the type having been replaced by five AgustaWestland AW119 Koala . In 1977,
4545-447: The 18 of newer Cheetal variant. However, the first batch of the older helicopters has been retired already. During February 2009, India's defence ministry approved HAL's proposal to enter the design phase on an indigenous design that could potentially meet the requirements of the competition, as well to explore partnership arrangements. HAL promptly performed preliminary design studies on a prospective 3-tonne light helicopter, powered by
4646-426: The 1970s, the type has gradually been supplanted by the larger Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin , and later on, by the specialised Eurocopter AS565 Panther as an anti-submarine warfare platform. The use of twin-engined rotorcraft in the maritime environment has become somewhat of an expected standard, one which the single-engined Alouette III cannot satisfy, putting the type at an obvious disadvantage. During January 2018, it
4747-477: The 1980s, shortly after which they were replaced by larger SA532 Super Puma helicopters, and were bought by civilian operators. Between 1962 and 1967, a total of 8 Alouette IIIs were delivered to the Royal Danish Navy . They were primarily tasked with SAR and reconnaissance in support of the navy's Arctic patrol ships. During 1982, they were replaced by a batch of British Westland Lynx . During early 1960,
4848-688: The Air Corps Museum. Under a licensing arrangement between Aérospatiale and Indian aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Alouette III has been built under licence by HAL in India. Known locally under the designation HAL Chetak , more than 300 rotorcraft have been manufactured to date; the majority of these were acquired for military purposes with the Indian Armed Forces , who have used them to perform various mission roles, including training, transport, CASEVAC ( casualty evacuation ), communications and liaison roles. By 2017,
4949-656: The Alouette III officially entered squadron service with the French armed forces. In June 1971, having been suitably impressed by the type's performance so far, the French Army elected to order a force of 50 Alouette IIIs for their own purposes. Amongst the most noteworthy uses that France applied the type to was the first use of helicopter-based anti-tank missiles in the form of the SS.11 MCLOS wire-guided missile . During June 1960, an Alouette III carrying seven people successfully performed both take-offs and landings on Mont Blanc in
5050-582: The Alouette III was retired from the French Air Force after 32 years of successful service, having been entirely replaced by the newer twin-engined Eurocopter EC 355 Ecureuil 2 . The French Army also withdrew the last of their examples during 2013 in favour of more modern rotorcraft. By 2017, the French Navy were still using the Alouette III in a reduced capacity, nonetheless being used to routinely conduct both Search and Rescue and logistics missions. Since
5151-633: The Alouette III were also either licence-built or otherwise assembled by IAR in Romania (as the IAR 316 ), F+W Emmen ( de ) in Switzerland, by Fokker and Lichtwerk in the Netherlands , and in India as the HAL Chetak. The Romanian IAR 316, was an Aérospatiale SA 316B Alouette III license produced from 1971 to 1987, with 250 made with about half for Romania and half for export. Additionally, Romania also developed
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#17330849087195252-643: The Chetak was reportedly serving as the most widely used IAF helicopter for training, light utility and light attack roles. During 1986, the Indian Government constituted the Army's Aviation Corps; consequently, the majority of Chetaks previously operated by AOP Squadrons were transferred from the Indian Air Force to the Indian Army on 1 November 1986. The Air Force has continued to fly a force of armed Chetaks in
5353-817: The HF-24 Marut, the Dhruv, the LUH, and the LCH. HAL also manufactures indigenous products with technology transferred from the DRDO , in association with Bharat Electronics for its avionics and Indian Ordnance Factories for the on-board weapons systems and ammunition. HAL supplies ISRO , the integrated L-40 stages for GSLV Mk II , propellant tanks, feed lines of PSLV , GSLV MKII and GSLV MKIII launch vehicles and structures of various satellites. HAL Chetak The Aérospatiale Alouette III ( French pronunciation: [a-lwɛt] , Lark ; company designations SA 316 and SA 319 )
5454-873: The IAF donated 1 DC-3 Dakota (gifted by the Maharaja of Jodhpor), 1 Twin Otter plane, and 1 Alouette III helicopter for the newborn Bangladesh Air Force , which was to take advantage of the lack of night-fighting capability of the PAF to launch hit-and-run attacks on sensitive targets inside Bangladesh from the air. The Alouette III helicopter was rigged to fire 14 rockets from pylons attached to its side and had .303 Browning machine guns installed, in addition to having 1-inch (25 mm) steel plate welded to its floor for extra protection. Squadron Leader Sultan Mahmood, Flight Lieutenant Bodiul Alam, and Captain Shahabuddin, all of whom later won
5555-473: The IAR 317 Airfox, an attack helicopter version of the IAR 316;at least one prototype was made and was debuted at the 1985 Paris Air Show . Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) obtained a licence to construct the Alouette III, which was known locally as the HAL Chetak , at their own production facilities in India. More than 300 units were built by HAL; the company has continued to independently update and indigenise
5656-440: The Indian Air Force in 1976. During the 1990s and the 2000s, the procurement of a modern successor to the aging HAL Cheetah and HAL Chetak helicopters of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force had been recognised as an impending need. Multiple attempts at establishing a competitive tendering programme; one such effort specified a total of 197 utility helicopters for the Indian Army, 60 of which were to be directly purchased and
5757-468: The Indian Air Force. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on 2 November 2021 approved purchase of 12 Limited Series Production (LSP) variant of LUH. The Indian Armed Forces will purchase 175-400 production variant helicopters. The 12 LSP aircraft is expected to cost ₹ 1,500 crore (equivalent to ₹ 17 billion or US$ 200 million in 2023). The delivery which was expected to begin in August 2022
5858-936: The Indian Navy has reportedly recognised the necessity of procuring a replacement for the type. HAL Chetak was used in Operation Khukri which was a multinational operation launched in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), involving India, Ghana, Britain and Nigeria . Beginning in the 1970s, during Republic Day parades, Chetak helicopters have been decorated to look like animals such as dodo birds, fish, and, most notably, elephants. The helicopters decorated like elephants have become iconic in India, and known as names such as "dancing elephant helicopters" and "flying elephants". Newly built HAL Chetak were delivered as recently as 2019, after
5959-415: The Irish Air Corps during a ceremony held at Baldonnel Aerodrome . During 44 years of successful service, the Irish Alouette III fleet amassed over 77,000 flying hours. As well as routine military missions, the aircraft undertook some 1,717 search-and-rescue missions, saving 542 lives and flew a further 2,882 air ambulance flights. The oldest of the Alouettes, 195, is kept in 'rotors running' condition for
6060-399: The World's Aircraft , HAL General characteristics Performance Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Related lists Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Hindustan Aeronautics Limited ( HAL ) is an Indian public sector aerospace and defence company, headquartered in Bengaluru (Bangalore). Established on 23 December 1940, HAL
6161-677: The anti-tank role as well as for CASEVAC missions and general duties. During the 2010s, the Chetak is being gradually replaced by the newer HAL Dhruv in the armed forces. An option to re-engine the HAL Chetak with the Turbomeca TM 333-2B engine, which would better facilitate high-altitude operations in the Himalayas was considered, but ultimately not pursued. In addition to producing the type for Indian customers, HAL has also achieved some export sales of Chetak helicopters to several nations, including Namibia and Suriname . India has also opted to donate several secondhand Chetak helicopters to other countries, such as neighbouring Nepal . As of 2017,
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#17330849087196262-540: The company but yielded the management control over to the British Indian Government. In 1943 the Bengaluru factory was handed over to the United States Army Air Forces but still using Hindustan Aircraft management. The factory expanded rapidly and became the centre for major overhaul and repair of American aircraft and was known as the 84th Air Depot. The first aircraft to be overhauled was a Consolidated PBY Catalina followed by every type of aircraft operated in India and Burma. When returned to Indian control two years later
6363-414: The company decided to commit itself to a new development programme with the aim of developing a more powerful helicopter that would be capable of accommodating up to 7 seats or a pair of stretchers . The design team was managed by French aerospace engineer René Mouille . The design produced, designated as the SE 3160 , featured several improvements over the Alouette II; efforts were made to provide for
6464-456: The company had finalised plans for an indigenisation drive. The company plans to produce nearly 1, 000 military helicopters, including Kamov 226, LCH (Light Combat Helicopter) ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter), and over 100 planes over the next 10 years. HAL will manufacture the Kamov 226T helicopter under a joint venture agreement with Russian defence manufacturers. The Kamov 226T will replace the country's fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. Over
6565-446: The company to have more operational and financial autonomy. One of the largest aerospace companies in Asia, HAL has annual turnover of over US$ 3 billion. More than 40% of HAL's revenues come from international deals to manufacture aircraft engines, spare parts, and other aircraft materials. A partial list of major operations undertaken by HAL includes the following: Over the years, HAL has designed and developed several platforms like
6666-431: The design of the LUH was officially frozen, but some elements, such as the powerplant, were yet to be selected for the type; additionally, the first prototype was anticipated to be constructed by the end of 2012 and the first flight was scheduled to occur during 2013. By early November 2012, the bottom structure assembly of the LUH ground test vehicle had been completed. According to HAL, the manufacturing jigs , which are of
6767-459: The details of production and has been slipping on its schedules. On 1 April 2015, HAL reconstituted its Board with TS Raju as CMD, S Subrahmanyan as Director (Operations), VM Chamola as Director (HR), CA Ramana Rao as Director (Finance) and D K Venkatesh as Director (Engineering & R&D). There are two government nominees in the board and six independent directors. In March 2017, HAL's chairman and managing director T Suvarna Raju announced that
6868-424: The efficiency of aircraft in general; however, the Alouette II proved to be both hardy and relatively resistant to battle damage. In order to extend the inadequate range of the type, fuel caches were strategically deployed across the country to be used for refuelling purposes. At its peak, No. 7 Squadron of the Rhodesian Air Force operated a force of 34 Alouette IIIs, which would normally operate in conjunction with
6969-406: The emerging South West African People's Organisation (SWAPO); this would be the beginnings of what would become the lengthy South African Border War . The type saw considerable action during the conflict; while initially used for more passive operations such as aerial reconnaissance , from July 1967 onwards, Alouette III participated in active combat missions as well. It was frequently employed as
7070-413: The ex-SAAF fleet to Namibia instead. During 1986, the South American country of Suriname purchased a pair of secondhand Alouette III helicopters from Portugal. During 1999, the Surinam Air Force opted to retire and sell off its Alouette III helicopters. In their place, three newly built HAL Chetaks (an Indian version of the Alouette IIIs) were delivered to the Suriname Air Force on 13 March 2015, while
7171-466: The factory at Bengaluru was set up by William D. Pawley of the Intercontinental Aircraft Corporation of New York. Pawley obtained a large number of machine-tools and equipment from the United States. The Mysore Kingdom bought a one-third stake in the company until April 1941 by investing ₹25 lakh as it believed this to be a strategic imperative. The decision by the government was primarily motivated to boost British military supplies in Asia to counter
7272-576: The factory had become one of the largest overhaul and repair organisations in the East. In the post war reorganisation the company built railway carriages as an interim activity. After India gained independence in 1947, the management of the company was passed over to the Government of India . The total number of broad-gauge coaches manufactured by the Hindustan Aircraft Limited during the year 1954
7373-476: The favourite, having already worked with HAL for decades on previous ventures, such as the Chetak and Cheetal that were being replaced. However, the deal did not proceed as per reports in November 2023 and the entire requirement of light helicopters is expected to be fulfilled by indigenous designs. As of 2023, the Armed Forces plans to retire its fleet of around 400 HAL Chetak and Cheetah from 2027 onwards and
7474-417: The feedback from the first prototype, a more refined second prototype performed its first flight on 22 May 2017. The LUH flew at 6 km altitude Envelope Expansion Test at Bengaluru, a critical certification requirement, in December 2018. Subsequently, on 14 December 2018, the third prototype PT-3 had its maiden flight. In 2018, the LUH finished hot weather trials at Nagpur . Testing at sea-level altitudes
7575-528: The first pair of Alouette IIIs were delivered to the Irish Air Corps ; a third rotorcraft arrived in 1964 and a batch of five further aircraft were delivered between 1972 and 1974. The service ultimately operated a total of eight Alouette IIIs between 1963 and 2007; throughout much of this period, they were the only helicopters operated by the Corps. On 21 September 2007, the Alouette III was formally retired from
7676-478: The helicopter over the decades. A modernised variant of the Chetak has remained production, though at a diminished volume, into the 21st century. The latest HAL Chetak was delivered in 2021, and also included updated avionics. Over 350 Chetak had been produced the 2020s. The Argentine Naval Aviation operated a total of 14 Alouette III helicopters. A single SA316B was on board the ARA ; General Belgrano when she
7777-452: The increasing threat posed by Imperial Japan during Second World War . The Kingdom of Mysore supplied two directors, Air Marshal John Higgins was resident director. The first aircraft built was a Harlow PC-5 . On 2 April 1942, the government announced that the company had been nationalised when it bought out the stakes of Seth Walchand Hirachand and other promoters so that it could act freely. The Mysore Kingdom refused to sell its stake in
7878-573: The installation of additional armouring and armaments. Over time, the Rhodesian Security Forces developed an innovative deployment tactic of rapidly encircling and enveloping enemies, known as the Fireforce , for which the Alouette II was a core component. The quick-reaction Fireforce battalions were typically centred at Centenary and Mount Darwin ; however, a deliberate emphasis was placed on locating both rotorcraft and troops as close to
7979-628: The limits of the engine's reduction gearbox, the Artouste IIIB was de-rated to generate 563 horsepower (420 kW) in service. The later SA 319B model adopted the more fuel-efficient Turbomeca Astazou XIVB engine, extending its range and endurance; on 10 July 1967, the Astazou-powered Alouette III performed its first flight. During 1979, the 1,437th Alouette III departed from the company's assembly line in Marignane , France, after which
8080-596: The main production line was closed down as a consequence of diminishing demand for the type. During 1985, the final French-produced Alouette III was delivered. It had been produced from 1961 to 1985 in France, however, license production continued. Despite the closure of Aérospatiale 's own production line, the event was not the end of the type's manufacturing activity. Over 500 Alouette IIIs are recorded as having been manufactured under licence abroad in several countries, such as Romania, India, and Switzerland. Various versions of
8181-556: The next 5 years, HAL will carry out major upgrades of almost the entire fighter fleet of the Indian Air Force, including Su-30MKI, Jaguars, Mirage and Hawk jets, to make them "more lethal". The company will also deliver 123 Tejas Light Combat Aircraft to the IAF from 2018 to 2019, at a rate of 16 jets per year. LCH production will now take place in a newly built Light Combat Helicopter Production Hangar at Helicopter Division in HAL Complex. In view of Make in India policy and to increase
8282-679: The pilots and technicians of the Surinam Air Force underwent training on the type in Bangalore, India for some time. During 1964, the Swiss Air Force opted to procure a batch of nine Alouette III rotorcraft directly from Aérospatiale; further orders included one placed in 1966 for 15 more. In addition, a total of 60 SA-316Bs (often referred to as the F+W Alouette IIIS ) were licence-assembled by F+W Emmen in Switzerland. During 2004,
8383-607: The potential contract was valued as a maximum of $ 750 million, of which 30 per cent was required to be invested within India under the government's policy of industrial offsets ; HAL was also specified as to provide domestic maintenance activities for the fleet, who were reportedly also keen to manufacture further examples locally and further develop the selected type. It had been initially hoped that trials would begin in 2009 and that helicopter deliveries could commence as early as 2010. By late 2008, Bell had announced its decision not to participate despite earlier considerations on offering
8484-549: The remaining 137 to be produced under licence by Indian aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). However, this tender, in which the Eurocopter Fennec appeared to be the frontrunner against the rival Bell 407 , eventually ended up being cancelled in response to allegations of irregularities in the selection process; Eurocopter was subsequently investigated and exonerated of any wrongdoing. Consequently, new safeguards were implemented to ensure impartiality and
8585-440: The replacement effort was subsequently restarted. During July 2008, the Government of India circulated a request for proposals (RFP) to various helicopter companies, including AgustaWestland , Bell Helicopter , Eurocopter, Kamov and Sikorsky , for a fleet of 197 light utility helicopters to be purchased in a fly-away condition directly from the manufacturer in order to speed up their delivery. Intended for military purposes,
8686-489: The share of defence exports to achieve the target of $ 5 billion by 2025, HAL is planning to set up logistic bases in Indonesia , Malaysia , Sri Lanka and Vietnam with priority target for Southeast Asia , West Asia and North African markets. It would not only help to promote HAL products but also act as service centre for Soviet / Russian origin equipment. In October 2024, HAL was given Maharatna status, which allows
8787-446: The type was mainly used for liaison and VIP-transport missions. In 2010, it was announced that Switzerland had come to an agreement with Pakistan for a number of ex-Swiss Alouette IIIs to be donated to the PAF; however, the terms of this agreement restricts their usage to performing search and rescue and disaster relief operations. Pakistan Navy started operating Alouette III helicopters in 1977. The helicopters are still in service and have
8888-493: The type's first flight, on 6 September 2016, the first prototype LUH PT-1 (ZG4620) conduct its maiden flight outside HAL's manufacturing facility at Bangalore . The maiden flight, which was reportedly flown without any issues, marked the commencement of the flight test phase of development. On 14 February 2017, the first prototype performed an aerobatic display in front of members of the general public in Aero India 2017. Based on
8989-475: Was announced that the French Navy would be replacing its remaining Alouette IIIs with rented Aérospatiale SA 330 Pumas as a stop-gap measure; this decision was reportedly taken due to its increasing unreliability, rapidly inflating operating costs, and the sheer age of the fleet. However, as of 2021 the Alouette III was still reported to be in service. The aircraft was finally withdrawn from French Navy service in June 2022. It had been in service for 60 years and
9090-735: Was completed and the helicopter design met all the Preliminary Joint Services Qualitative Requirements (PJSQR) of the Armed Forces. While limited series production (LSP) will be completed from Bengaluru, HAL intends to perform mass production of the LUH at its new helicopter manufacturing complex at Tumakur that will have the capacity to produce helicopters of 3 ton to 12 ton category. The Tumakur assembly line will complete around 30 LUHs per year by 2019–2020; upon enacting Phase II, which will take another three-four years, production would be ramped up to 60 helicopters per year from 2023. The Army variant of LUH received
9191-399: Was completed at Chennai in 2018 and at Puducherry in 2019. In January 2019, the LUH successfully completed cold weather trials. The LUH undertook successful high altitude hot weather trials between 24 August and 2 September 2019. By 7 February 2020, three prototypes had cumulatively performed over 550 flights. On 7 February 2020, the LUH received its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) from
9292-457: Was completed, becoming the first production turbine-powered helicopter in the world. The innovative light helicopter soon broke several world records and became a commercial success. As a result of the huge demand for the Alouette II, manufacturer Sud Aviation took a great interest in the development of derivatives, as well as the more general ambition of embarking on further advancement in the field of rotorcraft. In accordance with these goals,
9393-430: Was delayed due to issues with the certification of its autopilot system. The delivery of LSP variants is expected from December 2024 after the delay. As of November 2023, the Army also plans to place an initial order worth ₹ 45,000 crore (US$ 5.4 billion) for over 90 helicopters and has a total requirement of around 250 helicopters. As of November 2023 a full fledged order for the three branches of Armed Forces
9494-514: Was developed by Microtec company located in Hyderabad, while the ring gear is built by Shanti Gears and transmission by HAL. Avionics hardware is supplied by Chennai based Data patterns and HAL worked on the software. With supplies from many other Indian companies, HAL plans to take the indigenous content to over 60 percent. The Ministry of Defence placed an initial order of 12 Light Utility Helicopters out of which 6 are for Indian Army and another 6 for
9595-453: Was in active use right to the end, with the last three ending their service at the end of December. The aircraft was long known for ease of maintenance, which aided its use overseas, however and the end of its life it was requiring increasing maintenance hours and it was becoming hard to get spare parts which were no longer in production. The aircraft was still be used for training, interdiction missions, and shorter range mission. During 1963,
9696-543: Was not used actively for developing newer models of fighter jets, except for the HF-24 Marut , the company has played a crucial role in modernisation of the Indian Air Force . In 1957, the company started manufacturing Bristol Siddeley Orpheus jet engines under licence at new factory located in Bengaluru. During the 1980s, HAL's operations saw a rapid increase which resulted in the development of new indigenous aircraft such as
9797-412: Was recorded as having accumulated more than 346,000 flight hours. During June 2006, the last Alouette III was officially withdrawn from SAAF service at a ceremony held at AFB Swartkop , near Pretoria . During January 2013, reports emerged that South African defense officials were in the process of planning to transfer some of the retired fleet, along with spare parts and associated support equipment, to
9898-528: Was replaced by the refined SA 316B model. (After its production ended, the SE 3160 has sometimes been retroactively redesignated "SA 316A", but its original SE 3160 designation is more commonly used, especially in older sources.) Both the SE 3160 and the SA 316B were powered by a more powerful version of the Artouste engine, the Artouste IIIB, whose turbine was rated to produce 858 horsepower (640 kW), though because of
9999-414: Was signed for the creation of a joint venture between Rostec , Russian Helicopters and HAL to manufacture the Ka-226T at a new factory to be built at Tumakuru , India. Meanwhile, HAL, which had long held ambitions to design and produce such an aircraft, sought to establish a partnership with a Western manufacturer with considerable technical knowhow in the field; reportedly, Eurocopter were viewed as being
10100-551: Was sunk by torpedoes fired by HMS Conqueror during the 1982 Falklands War between Argentina and the United Kingdom. A second Alouette III played an important role during the Argentine Invasion of South Georgia . On 2 December 2010, the last example was retired at a ceremony held at BAN Comandante Espora , Bahía Blanca . Between April 1964 and 1967, a small batch of Alouette IIIs were delivered from France in
10201-433: Was the first indigenous fighter aircraft made in India. HAL was established as Hindustan Aircraft Limited in Bangalore (now called Bengaluru ) on 23 December 1940 by Walchand Hirachand in association with Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV of Kingdom of Mysore . Walchand Hirachand became chairman of the company. The company's office was opened at a bungalow called "Eventide" on Domlur Road. The organisation and equipment for
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