HAL partners with Safhal for ‘Aravalli’ engines to power next-gen choppers | India News
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BENGALURU: Defence PSU HAL Friday said it signed an important contract with Safhal Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd (Safhal) to jointly develop and produce the ‘Aravalli” engine, a new generation high-power engine set to power India’s upcoming Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) platforms.
“The ‘Aravalli’ engine, named after India’s iconic mountain range, symbolises the country’s aspirations for self-sufficiency in critical engine technologies,” HAL said in a statement.Safhal, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL, is dedicated to the design, development, production, and support of new generation helicopter engines in India.
This collaboration involves cutting-edge technologies, advanced manufacturing processes, and rigorous testing protocols to meet global standards, HAL said, adding that the latest contract marks a new chapter in India’s pursuit of indigenous defence technologies.
HAL CMD (additional charge) CB Ananthakrishnan, said: “This collaboration is a crucial step towards technological self-reliance in India’s aerospace and defence sector. It’ll not only enhance the capabilities of our IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also contribute significantly to our broader goal of indigenous development of critical defence technologies.”
Cedric Goubet, CEO, Safran Helicopter Engines, said: “This project deepens our collaboration with HAL and strengthens the strategic relationship between India and France. Our combined expertise will ensure the success of the IMRH and DBMRH programs while fostering growth in India’s aerospace and defence sector.”
The IMRH is a 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed by HAL for the Indian armed forces, with a naval version, the 12.5-ton DBMRH, being developed for the Indian Navy. “These engines are designed to operate in diverse and challenging environments. Future plans include extension to the civil market for offshore operations, utility, and VVIP transport, followed by MRO activities,” HAL said.
The HAL-Safran Helicopter Engines partnership builds on a long-standing relationship which began with the Artouste engines for Cheetah and Chetak helicopters and continued with the Shakti engine for ALH, LCH, and LUH. The current collaboration elevates this relationship to new heights, focusing on joint design and development of state-of-the-art helicopter engines for medium-lift helicopters.
“The ‘Aravalli’ engine, named after India’s iconic mountain range, symbolises the country’s aspirations for self-sufficiency in critical engine technologies,” HAL said in a statement.Safhal, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL, is dedicated to the design, development, production, and support of new generation helicopter engines in India.
This collaboration involves cutting-edge technologies, advanced manufacturing processes, and rigorous testing protocols to meet global standards, HAL said, adding that the latest contract marks a new chapter in India’s pursuit of indigenous defence technologies.
HAL CMD (additional charge) CB Ananthakrishnan, said: “This collaboration is a crucial step towards technological self-reliance in India’s aerospace and defence sector. It’ll not only enhance the capabilities of our IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also contribute significantly to our broader goal of indigenous development of critical defence technologies.”
Cedric Goubet, CEO, Safran Helicopter Engines, said: “This project deepens our collaboration with HAL and strengthens the strategic relationship between India and France. Our combined expertise will ensure the success of the IMRH and DBMRH programs while fostering growth in India’s aerospace and defence sector.”
The IMRH is a 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed by HAL for the Indian armed forces, with a naval version, the 12.5-ton DBMRH, being developed for the Indian Navy. “These engines are designed to operate in diverse and challenging environments. Future plans include extension to the civil market for offshore operations, utility, and VVIP transport, followed by MRO activities,” HAL said.
The HAL-Safran Helicopter Engines partnership builds on a long-standing relationship which began with the Artouste engines for Cheetah and Chetak helicopters and continued with the Shakti engine for ALH, LCH, and LUH. The current collaboration elevates this relationship to new heights, focusing on joint design and development of state-of-the-art helicopter engines for medium-lift helicopters.
