Aitech, a global provider of rugged embedded computing solutions for aerospace and defence applications, has announced a $63 million production contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to supply mission-critical avionics computing systems for India’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) programme. The contract covers avionics support for 156 helicopters and ensures long-term production and sustainment of the Display Mission Computer (DMC) and related flight systems over the next five to six years. The agreement marks a continuation of a partnership that began in 2011, when HAL initiated development of its next-generation avionics architecture.
Under the programme, Aitech designed and customised a CompactPCI-based single-board computer and graphics processing solution tailored for rotary-wing avionics applications. The solution supports real-time mission computing, advanced graphics processing, deterministic communication, and long operational lifecycles required for military platforms.
Unlike standard commercial offerings, Aitech worked closely with HAL engineers to adapt and qualify the architecture for defence-grade requirements. This included integration of specialisedmodules and avionics interfaces designed for helicopter mission systems. The collaboration extended across development, testing, flight qualification, and long-term sustainment phases.
HAL’s LCH avionics suite, including the Display Mission Computer and Automatic Flight Control Computer, is among the most advanced helicopter electronics systems developed in India. It relies on redundant computing architectures, real-time data processing, and high-performance mission computing to deliver situational awareness, navigation, and combat support capabilities under demanding operational conditions.
The selection of Aitech is based on multiple factors, including proven avionics computing expertise, long-term product sustainment capability, and deep integration of its systems into the LCH platform. The ability to maintain consistent hardware over extended programme lifecycles has been a critical advantage, reducing the need for costly redesigns and requalification cycles.
Continuous technical engagement has also been central to the partnership, with Aitech providing engineering support from early development stages through certification and deployment. This long-term collaboration has ensured system stability and operational reliability across the programme lifecycle.
Gil Botton, Vice President and Head of Business Development for Aitech SEA and EMEA, said HAL selected Aitech for its consistent technical contribution, long-term reliability, and engineering partnership approach. He noted that the collaboration demonstrates the importance of continuity in aerospace computing systems where lifecycle stability is essential.
For more than 40 years, Aitech has developed rugged computing systems for defence and aerospace applications across land, sea, air, and space domains. The HAL contract reinforces its position as a long-term technology partner supporting mission-critical defence platforms with sustained performance and reliability.
