Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a partnership with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd (SAFHAL) to design, develop, manufacture, supply, and support a new high-power engine named ‘Aravalli.’ This engine is intended for HAL’s upcoming 13-ton Medium Lift Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), both of which are currently under development.
The ‘Aravalli’ engine, named after India’s historic mountain range, symbolizes the nation’s ambitions to achieve self-reliance in critical engine technologies. HAL’s Chairman and Managing Director, C B Ananthakrishnan, described this collaboration with SAFHAL as a significant step in advancing India’s aerospace and defense capabilities. He emphasized that the partnership will not only bolster the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also contribute to the broader objective of indigenous development in the defense sector.
SAFHAL, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and the company, is focused on the design, production, sales, and support of new-generation helicopter engines in India. The partnership represents a major milestone in India’s aerospace industry, enhancing the strategic relationship between India and France.
Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, expressed pride in collaborating with the company on this strategic initiative. He highlighted the 25-year successful partnership between Safran and it and noted that this project strengthens their collaboration and supports the growth of India’s aerospace and defense sectors.
The partnership aims to ensure that the new engine meets the highest global standards of performance, reliability, and operational efficiency. The collaboration involves cutting-edge engine technologies, advanced manufacturing processes, and rigorous testing protocols.
The IMRH is designed by the company to fulfill the needs of the Indian Armed Forces, while the DBMRH is a naval variant being developed for the Indian Navy. These engines are designed to operate in a variety of challenging environments. It also plans to extend the engine’s application to the civil market, targeting sectors like offshore operations, utility services, VVIP transport, and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities.
HAL’s longstanding relationship with Safran Helicopter Engines dates back to the use of Artouste engines in Cheetah and Chetak helicopters and includes the Shakti engine used in the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). This new collaboration represents a significant advancement in their partnership, focusing on the joint development of state-of-the-art engines for medium-lift helicopters.
