Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) had the lead role in organising the 11th biennial edition of DefExpo 2020 in coordination with the MoD at Lucknow. Besides providing massive 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 Mr R Madhavan, CMD of HAL.
Mr R Madhavan, CMD, HAL
HAL displayed models of the Light Combat Aircraft, Light Combat Helicopter, Advanced Light Helicopter, Dornier 228 LTA and Hawk AJT 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 on display.
Another view of the HAL display at DefExpo 2020
HAL and Coast Guard in contract for midlife upgradation of 17 Dornier 228 aircraft. In picture are Mr Apurba Roy, GM, HAL TAD Kanpur and Mr Sanjai Singh, Joint Secretary (Air) & AM, MOD
An upgraded Sukhoi-30 MKI cockpit simulator was another attraction at the HAL display.
The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) was displayed at the outdoor static area with the Rudra (ALH Mk IV, LCH, LUH, Dornier 228 civil, Tejas LCA were on flying display. During course of DefExpo 2020, HAL held MoU signing programmes, meetings with foreign delegations, seminars and conferences on diverse aerospace topics.
HAL LUH given IOC
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), paving the way for its SERIES production. 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 at DefExpo 2020 in the presence of Defence Minister Mr Rajnath Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mr Yogi Adityanath and others.
As Mr Madhavan 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 and Rosoboronexport in spares/services MoU
HAL and JSC Rosoboronexport signed a MoU at DefExpo 2020 which 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 of the MoU including support of the Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, its AL-31FP engines, RD-33 engines (of the MiG-29), accessories and others.