Welcome to Helicopter Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
Helicopter Division was established in July 1970. The division manufactures single engine as well as twin engine helicopters to cater the growing needs of the market.
Helicopter Division manufactures Rudra, Dhruv, Cheetah, Chetak, Cheetal & Lancer helicopters.
The division is supported by the co-located R&D centre – Rotary Wing Research & Design Centre (RWR&DC).
The MRO division caters to the Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul activities of helicopters. The Rotory Wing Academy focuses on training of pilots.
HAL started manufacturing of helicopters in 1962, by entering an agreement with M/s SUD-AVIATION (Presently M/s EUROCOPTER, France) for production of Aloutte III helicopters. (Chetak). The first Chetak (Aloutte III) in ‘Fly Away’ condition delivered in 1965.
License agreement for production of Cheetah (LAMA SA 315-B) signed with M/s SNIAS (presently M/s, Eurocopter) in 1970. First Cheetah manufactured from raw materials was delivered in 1976-77.
In 1990s, HAL has developed a light attack helicopter “Lancer”. The basic structure of the lancer is derived from reliable and proven Cheetah helicopter. The helicopter has bullet proof front panels. Gun cum Rocket pod one each (70 mm Rocket+12.5 mm Gun) fitted on either side. An optical sight has been fitted for accurate firing.
The Cheetal helicopter is a re-engined variant of Cheetah helicopter. The Cheetal helicopter set the world record of world’s highest landing at ‘Saser Kangri’ of Himalayas in 2006.
HAL Helicopter division has successfully manufactured 600 Single Engine helicopters. HAL achieved self-reliance in design, developing & manufacturing of twin engine Advanced Light Helicopter “Dhruv”. Dhruv is a multi role, multi mission all weather helicopter in the 5.5 ton category. The indigenously designed twin engine helicopter started series production during 2001-2002.
The division is accredited with AS 9100 C & ISO 14001:2004 certifications. The division is also approved by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for CAR 21, CAR 145 & CAR M certifications.
HAL with the proven track record of manufacturing more than 700 helicopters, the helicopter division has expand its design, developing & production range by manufacturing new helicopters like Weapon System Integrated (WSI) version of Dhruv (Christened as “Rudra”), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).