As a big step forward, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a company that makes aircraft and defense equipment, will show off its homegrown civil platforms at Wings India 2024, which starts on January 18 at Begumpet Airport in Hyderabad. The Hindustan-228 plane and the improved domestic version of the ALH Dhruv helicopter are two of the most interesting things.
Over the course of four days, the HAL booth will show scale models of the LUH (civil version), the Hindustan-228, the ALH (civil variant), Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), and civil aircraft accessories. HAL wants to strengthen its agreements with its business partners for a number of projects during the event by holding business talks with OEMs and customers.
C. B. Ananthakrishnan, CMD (Additional Charge), HAL, stressed that the company was fully committed to the “Made in India” plan for fixed-wing civil aircraft, which aims to improve connectivity across the country. “HAL is building on its strengths in making planes like the Do-228 and HS-748 and adding its skills to civil aircraft programs like the Regional Transport Aircraft,” Ananthakrishnan said. HAL is also actively looking for ways to work together on civil MRO projects.
The improved civil Dhruv helicopter, which is a type of the Advanced Light Helicopter, is at the front of the show. This twin-engine helicopter, which HAL designed and built, weighs 5.5 tonnes and can do many things. It can be used for emergency management, Search and Rescue (SAR), underslung operations, helitourism, VIP transport, and more. The helicopter fits with the Regional Connectivity program (RCS) of the Union government because it has an Advanced Glass Cockpit and electronics.
Another focus is on the Hindustan 228 aircraft, which is a lightweight, versatile twin-turboprop plane made by HAL. UDAN’s Regional Connectivity Scheme makes it perfect for short-haul flights. It has many functions, such as Regional Airliner/Air Taxi, VIP/Executive Transport, Search and Rescue, Casualty Evacuation/Ambulance, Cargo and Logistics Support, Calibration of Airport Nav-aids, Geographical surveys, and Aerial Photography. The plane has a fully digital Glass Cockpit, as well as upgraded electronics and systems. It has Type Certification from the DGCA.
Moving ahead of the times, HAL has started making a civilian version of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). HAL is working on the LUH civil prototype and wants to get DGCA approval, which should happen by December 2025. This proactive move fits in with HAL’s current efforts to make a big difference in India’s civil aviation sector.
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