First flight of ALH (wheeled version)
The first flight of Advanced Light Helicopter (Wheeled Version) with segmented MRBs (Main Rotor Blades) and MRH (Main Rotor Head) in pre-cone configuration was carried out in Bengaluru on 30 June 2022. The flight was carried out by Wg. Cdr. Unni Pillai, ED (CTP-RW). “The 2-Segment Main Rotor Blades (MRBs) and Pre-Cone Configuration of Main Rotor Head (MRH) have been developed to address the stringent stowage dimension requirement specified by Indian Navy and to improve the Time Between Overhauls (TBO) life of the Main Gear Box”, stated Mr R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL. “On completion of mandated ground testing of various factors, the prototype helicopter was built with 'Segmented Pre-Cone MRBs' and 'Pre-Cone MRH'. The RTB runs, Ground Resonance test and Clamped Power Ground Run were carried out to be found satisfactory”, the CMD further stated. The Indian Navy and Coast Guard are operating ALHs for the last 18 years supporting their operations for various missions. However, the ship deck based operations of ALH have been limited as the stowage size required for ALH exceeds the hanger sizes available in Indian Navy ships. Segmented blade feature reduces the folded length and width of ALH making it compatible with the hangar space available on most of the Indian Navy ships. Further, the time required for folding or unfolding operations is reduced. Mr. Arup Chatterjee, Director (Engg. and R&D), HAL said the project was carried out in the shortest possible time with the support of RCMA and DGQA. Detailed flight evaluation is scheduled to ensure the efficacy of the pre-cone configuration.
HTT 40 progresses
On 6 June 2022, HTT 40 received its airworthiness clearance certificate from CEMILAC. The project set a record as the fastest to reach certification from the first flight. HTT 40 is designed to PSQR issued by IAF and FAR 23 standards.
GOCL secures order from HAL
GOCL
Corporation Limited, a Hinduja Group Company, has received a purchase order
from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, an Indian state-owned aerospace and defence
company to supply Canopy Severance Systems (CSS) worth Rs. 19 crores. This has
emerged as the single largest order received by the Special Products Group of
GOCL Corp Ltd.