Indian Army is getting all set to induct the indigenous Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) which are expected to replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.
On the completion of their Total Technical Life (TTL), the army plans to gradually start phasing out these machines from 2027 onwards. The plan to replace these birds with the indigenous helicopters over a period of a decade.
According to sources, “Trials have started following the issue being resolved by HAL of the auto-pilot of the LUH.”
Once the trials are over the Indian army is expected to receive the first six LSP LUH between December 2024 and June 2025.
The larger contract for the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is anticipated to be finalized by January 2024, with deliveries projected to commence from 2026 onward, according to the aforementioned source. In the interim, the Army is exploring the possibility of leasing 20 utility helicopters to alleviate the existing shortage.At present, the Army’s helicopter fleet consists of 190 units, including Cheetah, Chetak, and Cheetal helicopters, out of an original 246. Approximately 25 of these helicopters are typically undergoing maintenance at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at any given time, representing a deficiency of approximately 37 percent in this segment, as highlighted by the source. The majority of the fleet, nearly 130 out of the 190, are between 30 and 50 years old.Among the 190 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters in service, more than 70 percent of them, around 134, are over 30 years old, as previously reported. These helicopters are also operated by the Navy and the Indian Air Force (IAF). For instance, the IAF operates approximately 120 Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, along with about 18 of the more recent Cheetal helicopters.The light helicopter fleet plays a crucial role in transporting supplies and facilitating evacuations in high-altitude regions, including the Siachen glacier, especially given the increased commitments along the northern borders following the 2020 stand-off.
In addition to these aging helicopters, the Army operates approximately 145 indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH), including 75 Rudra weaponized variants, with an additional 25 ALH Mk-III helicopters on order.
The Army recently issued a Request for Information for leasing 20 Light Helicopters specifically for reconnaissance and surveillance purposes. It has stipulated that from the signing of the contract the vendor should be able to deliver 20 helicopters in two year.
Overall, the Army and the IAF have a combined requirement of more than 400 helicopters in this category. The LUH, a 3-ton class helicopter with a glass cockpit, will serve roles in reconnaissance, surveillance, and light transport. It boasts a maximum speed of 220 kmph, a service ceiling of 6.5 km, and a range of 350 km with a 400 kg payload.
The LUH is powered by the TM/HAL Ardiden 1U/Shakti 1U single turbo shaft engine, designed to handle demanding high-altitude missions. The project commenced in February 2009, with the first prototype’s technical flight successfully conducted by HAL in September 2016.
It’s worth noting that HAL has an “in principle” order for 187 LUH, comprising 126 for the Indian Army and 61 for the Indian Air Force (IAF).Over a decade ago, both the Army and the IAF began the search for a suitable replacement for the aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. In 2015, the Defense Ministry decided to split the order into two parts: procuring around 200 in collaboration with a foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and an additional 200 to be supplied by HAL through indigenous development. India entered into an inter-governmental agreement with Russia to manufacture 200 Ka-226T helicopters within India through a joint venture, but this arrangement has encountered delays and is currently pending formal cancellation. Consequently, the entire requirement will now be met by the LUH.
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