HAL to develop LCH:Baweja

Bangalore, Oct 30 (UNI) After the successful Design, development and manufacture of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) 'Dhruv', the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was all set to go for 10-tonne version of advanced Helicopter, HAL Chairman Ashok K Baweja said today.

Speaking to newspersons after attending a Conference on 'Helicopter Technology' organised by Society of Indian Aerospace Technological and Industries (SIATI) here, Mr Baweja said that the first prototype of the 10-tonne version Helicopter was expected to be ready by August next year.

Mr Baweja said that HAL, which has successfully developed 3-tonne version 'Cheeta' and 6-tonne version 'Dhruv', was now focusing to develop 10-tonne military version. "There was no problem for funds for the proposed 10-tonne version project" he added.

He said that HAL, which was working on the prototype for Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) for the use of Indian Air Force (IAF), was also expected to roll out in the next 5 to 6 years. He said that the process of short listing of foreign partners for the project was under process and yet to be finalised. "HAL was also in the process of firming up of specifications for the proposed LCH" he added.

The LCH was being designed to fit into an anti-infantry and anti-armor role.

UNI