Outsourcing is playing a significant role in the manufacturing supply chain of Helicopter Division’s products viz. ALH, Cheetah/Chetak, LCH & LUH Helicopters. With a view to enhance the rate of production, optimize costs, boost private sector participation, develop Helicopter manufacturing eco-system and to give impetus to Govt. of India’s vision- “Aatmanirbhar Bharat”, Helicopter Division is involved in outsourcing of various activities which are as below:

• Machining of detail parts
• Fabrication of Sheet metal parts including Heat treatment & Special processes (along with design & manufacture of associated tools)
• Welded sub-assemblies
• Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Components
• Tube/Pipe bending
• Electrical Wire Harnesses
• Project Service activities such as Painting of Helicopters, detail parts/assemblies; Rework activities of project items etc.
• Sub-Assembly/Assembly work packages

Along with the above areas, the Division is actively looking to expand its outsourcing partner base in the following areas:

• Complete manufacturing of machining & sheet metal components involving procurement of raw material, heat treatment, special process & finishing
• Critical Gear Machining including heat treatment & special processes
• Riveting of Aero structures
• Complete Assembly Work Packages as one stop solution involving procurement of raw material, fabrication of details parts, carrying out Heat treatment and Special processes, Manufacture of requisite tools, jigs & fixtures and Manufacture of Sub-assemblies & Assemblies.

The Helicopter Divisions has received following awards:

• Jawaharlal Nehru trophy for the Best production Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for 1992 and 1994.
• Raksha Mantri’s Award for Excellent performance in innovation for the year 2003-04 for re-engining of Cheetah H/c with TM 333 2M2 engine.
• Received “BEST PERFORMING DIVISION” award of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited for 2003 and 2004.
• Unnatha Suraksha Puraskara Of National Safety Council – Karnataka Chapter for the year 2005.
• Received Best Performing Division award for highest increase in realisation of outsourcing parts for the year year 2016-17.
• Helicopter Division Receives “Prakshalan Award ” for its outstanding contribution towards ‘Prakshalan Projects’, as part of its Skill Development Initiatives in the year 2021-22.

Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH):

The indigenously designed and developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-DHRUV) is a twin engine, multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter in the 5.5 ton weight class. The basic Helicopter is produced in skid version and wheeled version. Dhruv is “type –Certified” for Military operations by the Centre for Military Airworthiness Certification (CEMILAC) and civil operations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Certification of the utility military variant was completed in 2002 and that of the civil variant was completed in 2004.  The deliveries of production series helicopters commenced from 2001-02 onwards. A total of 345 Helicopters have been produced by June 2024 including 313 for the Indian Armed Forces.

The major variants of Dhruv are classified as Dhruv Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III & Mk-IV.

Light Combat Helicopter (LCH):

Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) was proposed to meet IAF’s requirement of a dedicated light helicopter for combat operations. LCH has maximum possible commonality with ALH. LCH with a narrow fuselage has pilot and co-pilot/gunner in tandem configuration incorporating a number of stealth features, Armour protection, Night attack capability and crash worthy landing gear for better survivability.

Light Utility Helicopter (LUH):

LUH is a new generation helicopter in the 3-Ton class incorporating the state of the art technology features like Glass cockpit with Multi-Function Displays (MFD) and powered by single Turbo Shaft engine with sufficient power margin to cater to demanding high altitude missions. LUH will meet the emerging needs in this class of helicopters in the coming decades.
The helicopter will be capable of flying at 220 Kmph; service ceiling of 6.5 Km and a range of 350 Km with 500 kg payload

CHETAK:

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 is powered by Artouste – III B turbo shaft engine.

The helicopter is suitable for commuting, cargo / material transport, casualty evacuation, Search & Rescue (SAR), Aerial Survey & Patrolling, Emergency Medical Services, Off-shore operations and under slung operations. 

CHEETAH:

HAL signed license agreement for Cheetah (SA 315) 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 for operation over a very wide range of weight and altitude conditions. The five seater Cheetah helicopter is versatile, multi role, multi-purpose, highly manoeuvrable and rugged in construction.  It holds the world record in high altitude flying among all categories of Helicopters.

LANCER:

In 1990s, HAL has developed a light attack helicopter “LANCER” (Armed version of Cheetah).  The Lancer Helicopter is a light attack helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as a cost-effective airmobile area weapon system.

The basic structure of the lancer is derived from reliable and proven Cheetah helicopter. The helicopter has bullet proof front panels and crew seat.

CHEETAL:

Cheetal is the re-engined version of the Cheetah helicopter. The project initiated during 2002 and aimed to enhance high altitude operational capabilities and maintainability as well as to provide a mid-life upgrade for safe & reliable operations of Cheetah helicopter.

Artouste-IIIB engine of Cheetah was replaced with the modern fuel efficient TM333–2M2 engine and FADEC for better performance. In addition, an automatic Backup Engine Control system (EBCB) is equipped with engine.

GENERAL MANAGER(HELICOPTER)
Helicopter Division

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Bangalore – 560 017

Telephone : 91 – 80 – 22312924, 22318602
Fax : 91 – 80 – 22314717