ALH and its Derivatives Can Operate At An Altitude of 5km Plus Which Few Of The Competitors’ Platforms Can Reach
Regarding the successful trials of Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) in Ladakh and Siachen, can you elaborate on how the trials went? What went into the preparations and the challenges you faced?
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has successfully completed Hot and High Altitude trials of LUH and all the trial activities went well, as planned. LUH was transported for trials through C-17 aircraft to Leh and back. The IAF had allocated a dedicated C-17 for LUH team to travel safely owing to the pandemic situation.
A comprehensive test plan was executed at Leh (3,300m) including envelope expansion, performance and flying qualities. LUH lifted off from Leh and demonstrated its hot and high hover performance at Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) ALG at around 5,000m.
Subsequently, the helicopter demonstrated its payload capability on Siachen glacier. During the demonstration trials, user pilots landed the helicopter at the highest helipads of Amar and Sonam on Siachen. All planned tests were successfully demonstrated.
Further, Air Force Station, Leh-Ladakh extended its support to operate at their base and complete the trials at the Siachen glacier. The Army Aviation Squadron, Leh provided ALH support helicopter throughout the trials.
High altitude trial is a critical testing for certification but we were fully prepared and confident of its success.
Have you applied for the FOC? When are you expecting to get it?
CEMILAC accorded a basic version of IOC for the IAF on 7 February 2020 during DefExpo 2020. All necessary User Evaluation Trials like Night Flying and Slope Landing have been successfully completed with the Indian Army towards obtaining IOC for the army version. After the present repeat trials at high altitude as per the army’s requirement, the IOC is expected from the army soon.
There is no concept of FOC in LUH development. However, as per requirement, HAL will complete certification including mission/ role equipment by February 2022.
What has been the feedback from the army and the air force? What numbers are you looking at and when are you expecting the programme to conclude?
The trials were jointly conducted by test crew from HAL, the IAF and the Indian Army. As per initial indications, users are extremely satisfied on the performance of the LUH including that at high altitude. I understand that the Indian defence services require around 190 LUH post-certification.
What is the update on LCH? Are you going to apply for FOC?
The LCH has achieved IOC for the IAF variant in August 2017 and the army variant in February 2019.
HAL has submitted quotation against Request for Proposal (RFP) for supply of initial batch of 15 LCH against which order is awaited. Proactively, HAL has commenced production activities based on the customers’ assurance for orders.
As required by the IAF, two LCH were deployed at Leh in August 2020 for undertaking operational missions to support the IAF. These helicopters successfully demonstrated quick deployment to forward high altitude locations and operations in extreme temperatures prevalent in the area and are able to operate in the complete Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Further, FOC concept is not applicable since the required Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be part of deliverable configuration.
Are you planning to ramp up production given the current situation? Can you share the delivery timelines?
The LCH is planned to be produced at Helicopter Division to meet the requirements of Indian defence forces namely, the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army. Considering the total projection of 162 helicopters, including 15 LCH Limited Series Production (LCH LSP), HAL’s concerned Division has initiated various planning activities and has drawn a detailed master plan for meeting the peak production capacity of 30 helicopters per annum.
The master plan covers various aspects of production namely augmentation of civil infrastructure, machinery and equipment, tooling and manpower planning. As a proactive measure, dedicated hangars to meet the structural assembly and equipping are already established and are fully operational.
Currently, HAL is manufacturing LCH Limited Series Production (LCH-LSP) aircraft. The build of first LCH-LSP is under progress and expected to be completed shortly. The 15 LCH-LSP delivery will be progressively completed within two years’ time, post contract finalisation.
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