Bengaluru: The third prototype (PT3) of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) completed its maiden flight in Bengaluru on December 14.
The flight was piloted by HAL Test Pilots Wg Cdr Anil Bhambhani (Retd) and Gp Capt M R Anand (Retd). HAL termed the flight ‘flawless’ and claimed that the project is now ‘close’ to production clearance.
The maiden flight of 3rd prototype is expected to augment the project along with earlier prototypes PT1 and PT2.
LUH is meant to replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak being used by the Services.
HAL has in principal order for 187 LUHs, including 126 for the Indian Army and 61 for the Indian Air Force.
The LUH had recently achieved a milestone by flying at 6 km altitude in Bengaluru, as part of its envelope expansion tests.
The chopper will now undertake high altitude cold weather trials during January 2019.
It is being designed and developed by the Rotary Wing Research and Design Center of HAL.
The first prototype of LUH was on September 6, 2016 and the second one on May 22, 2017.
HAL says LUH can meet the requirements of both military and civil operators. The chopper with glass cockpit can be deployed for reconnaissance and transport roles.
It is capable of flying at 220 kmph, with a service ceiling of 6.5 km and a range of 350 km with 400 kg payload. The single turbo shaft engine caters well to its high altitude roles.
“We have incorporated some of the best design philosophies from the ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) programme into LUH and that has shown results now. The test flight results have been satisfactory and we are confident of the helicopter’s performance during the next set of trials,” says an official part of the programme.
Former HAL Chairman and President of Aeronautical Society of India Dr R K Tyagi told Onmanorama LUH will be a flying machine that will serve the armed forces for years to come.
“Happy to hear the pace at which the programme is heading ahead. This is a machine that the armed forces will be proud of. It has the capability to play versatile roles and comes handy to the needs of both Indian Army and IAF,” Dr Tyagi said.
The mock-up of LUH was first displayed during Aero India 2011.
