Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
HAL Light Utility Helicopter
The HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a multi‑role, indigenous rotorcraft developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to replace aging fleets of Cheetah and Chetak in the Indian Armed Forces and to serve civilian users. Development began in 2010 under the name LUH‑A, with the prototype flying for the first time on 28 May 2015, followed by a second prototype in 2017. Designed around a simplified airframe and a Turbomeca TM332 250 kW (500 shp) engine, the LUH offers a maximum take‑off weight of 2,600 kg, a cruise speed of 225 km/h, and a range of 600 km, while accommodating up to eight occupants including pilot. Its modular cabin can be fitted for transport, medical evacuation, reconnaissance, or training, and incorporates fiber‑composite rotors, a glass cockpit with digital flight displays, and an integrated autopilot. Certification by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in 2021 paved the way for commercial operations. The LUH represents a significant step toward self‑reliance in Indian aviation, reducing dependence on foreign platforms, enhancing mission flexibility, and fostering a domestic supply chain for rotorcraft technology. The helicopter also meets stringent safety standards and is equipped with night‑vision compatible lighting, expanding its operational envelope.
Classification
Production & History
- First Flight
- 2016