HAL signed license agreement for Cheetah with M/s SNIAS in 1970. First Cheetah manufactured from raw materials was delivered in 1976-77.
The Cheetah Helicopter (identical to LAMA SA 315B Helicopter of Eurocopter, France) is a high performance helicopter designed for operation over a very wide range of weight, centre of gravity and altitude conditions. The five seater Cheetah helicopter is versatile, multi role, multi purpose, highly maneuverable and rugged in construction. It holds the world record in high altitude flying among all categories of Helicopters.
Cheetah is a five seater helicopter (one pilot + four passengers or two pilots + three passengers.) This versatile multi-role helicopter is highly manoeuvrable and rugged in construction. Due to its excellent Power-Weight ratio, the cheetah is one of the best suited helicopters for operations in hot tropical weather and missions at high altitude.It holds the world record in high altitude flying among all categories of Helicopters.
The helicopter can be utilized for the following roles:-
- Passenger Transport
- Logistics Support (Cargo / Material Transport)
- Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC)
- Search & Rescue (SAR) operations
- Reconnaissance
- Under slung Operations
The Cheetah helicopter is powered by a single Turbomeca Artoustte III B turbo shaft engine.
Till date, HAL has produced and sold 279 of these versatile Helicopters in India and abroad.