Advanced Light Helicopter –ALH
The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program is an indigenously designed and developed 5.5 ton class multirole helicopter by RWRDC, HAL, Bengaluru. The project was initiated in mid 1980s and the maiden flight took place in August 1992. The Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for helicopter was issued in 2001. The variants of the helicopter like ALH Mk-I, ALH Mk-II, ALH Mk-III and ALH Mk-IV Rudra have been certified in various configurations like wheeled and skid versions.
CEMILAC has been involved in the Concurrent Certification and continued airworthiness of ALH helicopters. Initial Operational Clearance has been issued to ALH Mk-I, ALH Mk-II, ALH Mk-III and ALH Mk IV WSI in skid and wheeled versions. As on date more than 200 helicopters have been manufactured and supplied to tri-services, civil and exported.
Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) - Operational Clearance
The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is an Indian dedicated combat helicopter designed and developed by RWRDC, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is designed for a two-person tandem cockpit to accommodate a pilot and co-pilot/gunner.The LCH is furnished with a glass cockpit which accommodates an Integrated Avionics and Display System (IADS) and has an array of multifunction displays in conjunction with the onboard target acquisition and designation systems.
LCH is the first attack helicopter indigenously designed and developed with high level of system commonality with ALH. Integration of various weapons like Air-to-Air Missiles, Turret Gun and Rockets along with mission sensors like EO systems and HPS has been a challenge. After thorough evaluation, the helicopter has been certified for Limited Series production for Indian Army and Indian Airforce.
Light Utility Helicopter – LUH
The HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a single-engine light helicopter designed and being developed by RWRDC, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is a replacement to Cheetah, Chetak helicopters which are planned to be phased out. The project was approved in 2009 and the first flight happened on 6 September 2016. Subsequently second and third prototypes flew in 22 May 2017 and 14 Dec 2018 respectively.
The three prototype helicopters have been cleared for flights and important tests have been completed. The Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) is being planned by the end of 2019.