Advanced Light Helicopters inducted at INS Dega
The induction ceremony of ‘322 Dega Flight’ was held in the presence of Vice Adm Ajendra Bahadur Singh, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) with three indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) MK III helicopters flying into Naval Air Station, INS Dega on 7 June 2021. With the induction of these Maritime Reconnaissance and Coastal Security (MRCS) helicopters, the ENC has got a major boost towards enhancing the capabilities of the force, in pursuit of the maritime interests of the nation. ALH MK III helicopters feature an array of systems previously seen only on heavier, multi-role helicopters of the Indian Navy. These helicopters are fitted with modern surveillance radar and electro-optical equipment, which enable them to undertake the role of maritime reconnaissance in addition to providing long-range Search and Rescue, both by day and night. In addition to special operations capabilities, ALH MK III is also fitted with a heavy machine gun to undertake constabulary missions.
ALH MK III of the Indian Navy in Medevac role
A Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) has been installed onboard ALH Mk III from INAS 323 at INS Hansa by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). With ALH Mk III, an all-weather aircraft, being equipped with MICU, the Indian Navy can now undertake medical evacuation of critical patients by air even in unfavourable weather conditions. The MICU has two sets of defibrillators, multipara monitors, ventilator, oxygen support as well as infusion and syringe pumps. It also has a suction system to clear secretions in the mouth or airway of the patient. The system can be operated on aircraft power supply and also has a battery backup of four hours. The equipment can be installed in two-three hours to convert the aircraft into an air ambulance. This is the first of eight MICU sets to be delivered by HAL to Indian Navy.
ALH Mk-IIIs inducted into the Indian Coast Guard
Three Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH Mk.III) manufactured by HAL were inducted into the Indian Coast Guard on 12 June 2021 and will be positioned in Bhubaneswar, Porbandar, Chennai and Kochi and will be part of different Coast Guard Aviation Squadrons. Speaking on the occasion Dr Ajay Kumar stated, «The state of the art helicopters with advanced sensors will enable ICG to take up challenging tasks. This is for the first time Performance Based Logistics is being introduced in Indian aviation sector which is a modern management practice and will increase operational and maintenance efficiency. The sophisticated helicopters being handed over will be a game changer for the operational capability of ICG in the times to come». Speaking on the occasion, Mr R Madhavan (CMD HAL) said with this contract, HAL was embarking on a new journey of Performance Based Logistics (PBL). The PBL will assure desired levels of availability of ALH MKIII fleet of ICG for six and half years, a unique feature of this contract and a first of its kind in HAL. These helicopters are equipped with state of the art equipment like surveillance radar, electro optic pod, medical intensive care unit, high intensity search light, SAR homer, loud hailer, machine gun and can perform other key roles. HAL Helicopter MRO Division is the nodal agency for execution of PBL contract along with HAL Engine Division and other Sister Divisions of HAL. The PBL will provide a one stop solution for maintenance of complete helicopter, engine and components which encompasses Helicopter/Engine Servicing Task, Rotable Repair Task (RRT), Repair & Maintenance Spares Order (RMSO) etc. As part of PBL, Helicopter MRO Division of HAL will be extending the support from four bases, ie, Bhubaneswar, Porbandar, Chennai and Kochi. All necessary infrastructure, repair facility etc are set up at Bhubaneswar and Porbandar, dedicated LRU/rotable floats are stocked and onsite support team is identified towards ensuring the availability of helicopters.