It seems unlikely that Putin wants to lead a full-scale invasion of Ukraine right now, especially given the risk of significant Russian casualties during the ongoing muddy season. Regardless, though, the US needs to deter any further acts of aggression or seizure of territory by making clear the consequences if Russia persists in its border activities. Perhaps, like so many of us in the international community, the administration is trying to figure out Putin’s objective. In its class, this helicopter has a tremendous future be it for Medevac (medical evacuation), troop transportation and in armed roles,” says an official.And yet, so far, aside from the White House and State Department’s relatively guarded statements and reports that the US may be deploying two Navy warships to the Black Sea, presumably as a show of force, the Biden administration has been slow to take forceful action. “This Aero India, LUH is landing with most abilities proven and closer to certification. With the best design philosophies of HAL’s proven platforms aiding LUH project, the designers are now hopeful of completing the pending test points as per the time schedules.
HAL has pooled in the best chopper brains behind this project at the RWRDC, with versatile expertise in designing and manufacturing ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) and LCH (Light Combat Helicopter). During Leh trials, LUH became the first helicopter to cross 120 knots speed operating at such high altitudes when compared to some of the existing platforms,” an official added. “LUH has tremendous potential for civil version and HAL is working towards the same. Powered by TM Ardiden 1U single turboshaft engine, the helicopter can undertake reconnaissance\surveillance roles and can fly at speeds up to 220 kmph, with a service ceiling of 6.5 km and a range of 350 km with 400 kg payload. HAL hopes to certify the basic version of the Light Utility Helicopter by September this year. This 3-ton class chopper is set to replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak fleet widely used by Indian armed forces.Īs reported by Onmanorama earlier, a dedicated facility for manufacturing LUH and its associated systems is coming up at Tumakuru in Karnataka. HAL has in principal order for 187 LUH that includes 126 for Indian Army and 61 for IAF. The designers are also not ruling out the possibility of an armed version in future.
HAL now hopes to have the basic version of this utility helicopter certified by September this year and the mission role version, subsequently. The flight was part of the envelope expansion tests and flying. We had satisfactory feedback from the pilots with exceptional handling qualities.
A TEST OF METTLE AND THE CREW TRIAL
“The December trial at 6 km altitude was a critical requirement towards the certification of LUH. The platform will now be subjected to high and hot weather trials in Leh during the months of July and August later this year when the temperature soars around 30 degrees.ĭesigners say that months of July and August are the stringent periods of helicopter performance, both from operational and certification point of view.Īhead of the Leh trials, LUH had crossed a key milestone in December 2018 in Bengaluru, by flying at 6 km altitude.