HAL, Helicopter Division started manufacturing of helicopters in 1962, by entering an agreement with M/s SUD-AVIATION (Presently M/s AIRBUS (Former EUROCOPTER), France) for production of Aloutte III helicopters (Chetak). The first Chetak (Aloutte III) in ‘Fly Away’ condition delivered in 1965.
The Chetak Helicopter is a two ton class helicopter. The seven seater Chetak helicopter is versatile, multi role, multi purpose, and spacious. This is designed for seven seater (two pilots and five passengers). It is also cleared for single pilot flying and can accommodate six passengers.
The helicopter can be utilized for the following roles:-
- Passenger Transport
- Logistics Support (Cargo / Material Transport)
- Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC)
- Search & Rescue (SAR) operations
- Off - shore operations
- Under slung Operations
The Chetak helicopter is powered by a single Turbomeca Artoustte III B turbo shaft engine.
Till date, HAL has produced and sold 360 of these versatile Helicopters in India and abroad.