HAL to Showcase Wide Range Capabilities at Aero India 2011

Defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is all set to rock Aero India-2011. Showcasing its wide range of capabilities, HAL is all geared up for Asia's premier air show.

The handing over ceremony of Cheetah helicopter to Namibian Air Force, handing over first five Advance Light Helicopter-Dhruv (Mk III, powered by Shakthi engines) of 159 ALH programme to the Indian Army, the mock up of Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) expected to turn heads.

"This Aero India, we will showcase our future products and technologies, our designing capabilities and the excellency we have achieved in manufacturing. We would also use this platform to explore more business opportunities with other countries" said the HAL Chairman Mr Ashok Nayak.

Cheetah to Namibia
The company is all set to hand over a Cheetah helicopter to Namibia. The handing over ceremony is expected to be the star attraction during Aero India-2011. Mr Ashok Nayak will hand over the helicopter at a function at the HAL stall at Hall E on February 09, 2011 at 2.30 pm, to a senior-level delegation from Ministry of Defence, Namibia in the presence of senior officials from Ministry of Defence, from the armed services and Managing Directors and Directors of HAL.

ALHs to Indian Army
Meanwhile, Mr Ashok Nayak will also hand over the first five Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs)-Dhruv (Mk III, powered with Shakti engine) of the 159 ALH programme to Army Aviation, Indian Army. Additional Director General, Army Aviation, Maj Gen P.K Bharali will accept the helicopters on behalf of the Army. The ALH handing over ceremony will take place at a formal ceremony at HAL Stall, Hall E on February 10, 2011 AT 12.00 noon.

Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)
Painted red and white, the mock up of LUH is sure of attracting huge number of crowds during the expo. The mock-up will showcase the state-of-the art design features of LUH. The LUH is a new generation helicopter in the three ton weight being designed by HAL to serve both military and the civil operation requirements. The chopper is powered by a single turbo shaft engine with adequate power to accomplish high altitude missions with ease. The features of LUH include-four bladed composite main rotor system, main rotor blade folding for compact storage and transportation, four bladed tail rotor system, single engine with dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) with additional Engine Backup Control (EBC), Night Flying Capability and many others.

Intermediate Jet Trainer simulator
A Fixed Base Full Mission Simulator (FBMS) of IJT will be part of the display at the HAL stall. IJTs are the replacements to the Kiran aircraft, which won laurels for displaying scintillating manoeuvres at various international air shows.

Models
The model of MTA is also at display at the HAL stall. The MTA is a medium-lift transport aircraft which will be manufactured by HAL and United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia. The aircraft will replace the AN-32 of the Indian Air Force. The aircraft is capable of performing the regular transport duties and can also deploy paratroopers. Apart from the MTA, HAL will also display the models of ALH, IJT, LCH, Do-228, Su-30 Mk I and Hawk.

Light Combat Helicopter flight
The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) developed by HAL will also make its first flight during Aero India. The second prototype, which will be weaponized will be unveiled too. The helicopter is an attack variant of the HAL manufactured Dhruv, which has been inducted into the armed forces. HAL has an order for more than 150 LCHs to be delivered to the services.

Display
HAL has one LCH and one IJT at the static display and an LCH and IJT at the flying display. The Sarang display team flying the HAL manufactured Dhruvs are also expected to perform breathtaking manoeuvres during the expo. The display of Surya Kiran team of IAF is also one among the displays to watch out for.


Source: ArabianAerospace.aero
Posted on 08 February 2011 in Aero India (india-defence.com)

Photo: Photo: Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.

080211_Aero_India Exercise & Airshow News

(14.02.2011)