HAL to hand over helicopter to Namibia, five ALHs to Indian Army

BANGALORE (PTI),brahmand : Defence major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited would hand over a Cheetah helicopter to Namibian Air Force, and five Advance Light Helicopter-Dhruv to the Indian Army during the Aeroindia 2011, Asia's premier air show commencing here on February 9.

"The handing over ceremony of Cheetah helicopter to Namibian Air Force, handing over first five Advance Light Helicopter-Dhruv (Mk III, powered by Shakthi engines) of 159 ALH programme to the Indian Army, the mock up of Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) are expected to turn heads," HAL Chairman Ashok Nayak said.

"This Aero India, we will showcase our future products and technologies, our designing capabilities and the excellence we have achieved in manufacturing. We would also use this platform to explore more business opportunities with other countries," Nayak said.

A Fixed Base Full Mission Simulator (FBMS) of IJT would be part of the display at the HAL stall, along with models of medium-lift transport aircraft, which would be manufactured by HAL and United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) of Russia and ALH, IJT, LCH, Do-228, Su-30 Mk I and Hawk.

The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) developed by HAL would also make its first flight during Aero India. The second prototype, which would be weaponised would be unveiled too, he said.

The helicopter is an attack variant of the HAL manufactured Dhruv, which has been inducted into the armed forces. HAL has an order for more than 150 LCHs to be delivered to the services.

HAL has one LCH and one IJT at the static display and an LCH and IJT at the flying  display.

The Sarang display team flying the HAL manufactured Dhruvs are also expected to perform breathtaking manoeuvres during the expo. The display of Surya Kiran team of IAF is also one among the displays to watch out for.