Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) took lead role in organising the 11th biennial edition of DefExpo-2020 in coordination with MoD at Lucknow. Besides providing huge logistic support, HAL showcased its prowess in defence and aerospace centered on the theme 'Digital Transformation of Defence'.
"HAL is instrumental in organising major defence expos in last couple of years including this edition of DefExpo-2020. HAL's indigenously designed and developed fixed and rotary wing platforms are stealing the show,” stated R Madhavan, CMD, HAL.
HAL displayed the models of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Do-228 and Hawk at its indoor Stall (R-46, Hall 5). Some of the avionics, accessories, assemblies, products such as Indigenous Digital Map Generator (i-DMG), Engine & Flight Display Unit, Gas Turbine Electrical Generator (GTEG)-60, Air Producer Engine, Glass Cockpit for Do-228, Automatic Target Recognition (ATR), Digital Sand Rapid Prototyping Technology etc. were put up for display.
An upgraded Sukhoi-30 MKI cockpit simulator was an added attraction at the HAL stall.
The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) was showcased at the outdoor static display area and ALH Mk IV Rudra, LCH, LUH, Do-228 civil, LCA Tejaswere on flying display.During the course of DefExpo-2020, HAL held MoU signing programmes, meetings with foreign delegations, seminars and conferences on diverse aerospace topics.
Mr R Madhavan, CMD, HAL
HAL reveals a new Dornier 220 glass cockpit
LUH Receives IOC, Fillip to Indigenous Programme
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) paving the way for its product ionisation. Mr R Madhavan, CMD, HAL received the IOC document from Mr G Sateesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R & D and Chairman, DRDO at the 'Bandhan' programme held at DefExpo 2020 in the presence of Defence Minister MrRajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mr Yogi Adityanath and others.
MrMadhavan stated, "This is a momentous occasion for HAL. It reinforces our commitment towards indigenous R&D programmes on self-reliance and enhancing operational effectiveness of the Indian Armed Forces. HAL is fully geared up to fulfil the requirements of its customers in a time bound manner".
Mr Arup Chatterjee, Director, Engineering & R&D, HAL, said the performance of basic configuration of LUH in all terrains and under all weather conditions was satisfactory and HAL was moving towards the next phase of integrating and flight testing of Mission & Role Equipment on LUH.
One LUH Prototype was part of flying display and another a part of static display at the DefExpo 2020. LUH is a single engine, light weight, highly agile 3-ton utility helicopter, indigenously designed and developed to meet the operational requirements of Indian Army and IAF. LUH will soon replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. Three prototypes have been built and cumulatively completed over 550 flights under various terrains and climatic conditions like cold weather, hot weather, sea-level and high altitude complying to stringent certification and user requirements.
Its endurance and reliability were established during the hot weather and high-altitude trials where in LUH was ferried from Bengaluru, covering over 7000 kms of distance and continuously flying for 17 days without any abnormalities.
HAL Signs with TAPL
HAL signed a 'Lease Agreement' with Turbo Aviation Private Ltd. for operating two Do-228 aircraft under the UDAN scheme. TAPL will operate two Do-228 aircraft manufactured by HAL. The agreement was signed by MrApurba Roy, General Manager of HAL's TAD Kanpur and Mr V Umesh, MD, TAPL. As per the agreement TAPL will acquire two aircraft from HAL and would be operating from the state capital Lucknow. The first aircraft will connect Lucknow from Shravasti, Aligarh, Azamgarh, Jhansi and Saharanpur. The second aircraft will operate from Lucknow to Hindon, Faizabad, Mirpur, Chitrakoot and Kushinagar.
HAL and Indian Coast Guard sign contract
HAL signed a contract with Indian Coast Guard (ICG) for midlife upgradation programme on 17 CG Do-228 aircraft manufactured by HAL Kanpur. The contract was signed between MrApurba Roy, General Manager of HAL's TAD Kanpur and MrSanjai Singh, Joint Secretary (Air) & AM, MoD. The contract aims to address the obsolescence and supportability issues and enhance the operational capability of ICG Do-228 fleet.
HAL and IIT Kanpur in MoU
HAL signed an MoU with IIT Kanpur for providing Do-228 or HS 748 aircraft towards extending logistic support to the Institution's projects in the field of 'Cloud Seeding'. The MoU was signed between MrApurba Roy, General Manager of HAL's TAD Kanpur and DrManindra Agrawal, Deputy Director, IIT Kanpur.
HAL and Rosoboronexport in spares/services MoU
HAL and JSC Rosoboronexport signed at the show and this MoU envisages export of spares and services to friendly countries for which license has been given to HAL. The parties will subsequently sign an agreement on mutually agreed terms and conditions. The scope will include Su-30 MKI, AL 31 FP engine, RD33 engines, accessories etc.