Hindustan Aeronautics Limited has always been a leading aircraft and helicopter manufacturer in India, which has brought more muscles to the Armed Forces to India. Talking about the helicopter for Indian Armed Forces, HAL is the trusted organization and manufacturer of helicopter for Indian Armed Forces. Tejas, the aircraft that made India proud has been manufactured by HAL. MARUT, SU-MKI, FGFA and AMCA are also stars in HAL’s record. While helicopters are also there in the list. Some basic details of the helicopters are given as follows:-
- Rudra – It is an attack helicopter and was manufactured by HAL. It is an armed version of HAL Dhruv integrated with air-to air missile, anti-tank missile etc. and is made for primarily usage for the Indian Army. The trials of its enhanced version are going on with more equipment’s to make it more diverse in performance.
- Dhruv – It is a utility helicopter by HAL and was made with the assistance of MBB, Germany. It is currently used by all three sub-parts of the Armed Forces, i.e. Army Navy and Air Force. The aim of its manufacturing was to meet military and civil tasks and Nepal and Israel were the first to export it. The maximum speed of Dhruv is about 290 km/h and has a combat radius of more than 300 kms.
- Cheetah – This 5 seater helicopter with multi role and multipurpose capabilities is the record holder of high altitude flying among all kinds of helicopters. It can perform, search and rescue, high altitude operation, surveillance, observation and logistic support. Namibia has recently come forward and showed interest in buying cheetah helicopters.
- Chetak – The helicopter is utility type, which is an improved version of Alouette III and was manufactured after HAL signed an agreement with AIRBUS, France for its manufacturing. Indian Army got cheetah in 1986, when it fragmented out Aviation Corps. It can perform medical service, air patrolling, search and rescue, evacuation and transport tasks.
- LCH – Manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, it is an attack helicopter and undergoing trails. It is being made for the Indian Air force and Army. Its need was found in Kargil war, when the attack helicopter was required for high altitude strikes. Following this, its plan was released in 2006. It is made to perform airstrike, combat, search and rescue operations.
- LUH – Light Utility Helicopter is a utility helicopter manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited primarily for Indian Army and Air Force. The aim of its manufacturing is to replace the aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. The helicopter is under development and some delays in flight have been reported.
Conclusion – The production of arms and weapons has been seen as the crucial need. Along with this, the upgrading and changing the old weapons with the new one, having new technology and better capabilities that match with the growing need of the Armed Force is also a need. HAL has been continuously making efforts to bring best helicopters and all new equipment and weapons in it, keeping the new war tactics in mind. LCH is the most awaited production of HAL and Indian Army will get a perfect attack helicopter with its induction.
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