Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will collaborate closely with the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard to develop a variant of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) to replace the outdated HAL Cheetah and HAL Chetak helicopters in the fleets of the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard.
The Indian Navy need 111 Naval Utility Helicopters (NUH) and is looking to acquire ship-based variants of the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and Light Utility Helicopters (LUH).
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The Navy intends to acquire 60 NUH based on the ALH Platform and the remaining helicopters based on the Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) platform with foldable two-segment blades. The Navy has stringent criteria such as lightweight avionics and mission sensors, better payload capability, and decreased stowage dimensions for the helicopter to fit in the ship hangar, which has necessitated continued research over the past few years.
Since the Indian Navy has been criticised for not funding indigenous helicopter systems and limiting their duties to shore-based operations, LUH is a key programme. HAL and the Indian Navy are also collaborating closely to create a 13-ton Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) medium-lift helicopter that will become the flagship of the Indian Navy’s helicopter fleet by 2030.
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LUH Product Details
LUH is designed and developed as a replacement for Cheetah & Chetak helicopters which are being operated by Indian Armed forces.
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.
General Characteristics
| Crew | 2 (Pilot and Co-Pilot) |
| Max.Take-off weight | 7718 lb (3150 kg) |
| Engine Type(Single) | Single Engine (ARDIDEN-1U) |
PERFORMANCE
| Max. speed @ S.L. | 127 knots (146 mph, 235kmph) |
| Ferry range with Internal Fuel Tanks | 310 mi (500 km) |
| Service ceiling | 21325ft (6500 m) 6.5 km |
MISSION / ROLE EQUIPMENT
| Auto Pilot System | Emergency Floatation System |
| Rescue Hoist | Stretchers & Passenger Seats |
| Cargo sling | Helmet Mounted Display System |