2405:201:E021:401E:6583:E11B:85FF:CF42 at 20:46, 18 January 2022

2022-01-18T20:46:55Z

New page

{{Short description|Indian light helicopter}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2020}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
| name = Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)
| image = File:HAL - Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) (cropped) (2).jpg
| caption = LUH undergoing a test flight
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
| more users = [[Indian Air Force]] 
| type = [[Utility helicopter]]
| national origin = [[India]]
| designer =
| design group = Rotary Wing Research and Design Center<ref>{{cite news |title=Rotary Wing |url=https://hal-india.co.in/Rotary%20Wing/M__326 |access-date=9 October 2021 |agency=Hindustan Aeronautics Limited}}</ref>
| manufacturer = [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]]
| first flight = 6 September 2016<ref name="First Flight">{{cite web |url=http://www.hal-india.com/HAL%20Conducts%20Technical%20Flight%20of%20Indigenous%20Light%20Utility%20Helicopter%20(LUH)/ND__174 |title=HAL Conducts Technical Flight of Indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) |publisher=HAL |date=6 September 2016 |access-date=6 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160908101326/http://www.hal-india.com/HAL%20Conducts%20Technical%20Flight%20of%20Indigenous%20Light%20Utility%20Helicopter%20(LUH)/ND__174 |archive-date=8 September 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| introduction = 2020<ref name="IOC"/>
| retired = 
| status = Limited series production
| primary user = [[Indian Army]]
| produced = 
| number built = 3 (12 on order)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/light-utility-helicopter-2nd-prototype-completes-1st-flight/articleshow/58805698.cms|title=Light utility helicopter second prototype completes first flight|publisher=Times of India|date=23 May 2017|last=Kumar|first=Chetan|access-date=27 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170605163016/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/light-utility-helicopter-2nd-prototype-completes-1st-flight/articleshow/58805698.cms|archive-date=5 June 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=HAL test flies 3rd Light Utility Helicopter prototype on Dec 14|URL=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/hal-test-flies-3rd-light-utility-helicopter-prototype-dec-14-1502717120.html|access-date=2018-12-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181218013412/https://www.thestatesman.com/india/hal-test-flies-3rd-light-utility-helicopter-prototype-dec-14-1502717120.html|archive-date=2018-12-18|url-status=live}}</ref>
| program cost = 
| unit cost = 
| developed from =
| variants with their own articles = 
}}
|}

The '''HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)''' along with its derivative '''Light Observation Helicopter (LOH)''' was designed and developed by Rotary Wing Research and Design Center (RWR&DC)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://hal-india.co.in/Rotary%20Wing/M__326|title=Rotary Wing|website=hal-india.co.in|access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref> one of the R&D sections of [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL) for civilian and military applications. These are intended to replace license-built versions of [[Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama]] (designated Cheetah) and [[Aérospatiale Alouette III]] (designated Chetak) in service with [[Indian Army]] and [[Indian Air Force]].

==Development==
===Background===
During the 1990s and the 2000s, the procurement of a modern successor to the aging [[HAL Cheetah]] and [[HAL Chetak]] helicopters of the [[Indian Army]] and the [[Indian Air Force]] had been recognised as an impending need.<ref name = "fi rfp"/> Multiple attempts at establishing a competitive tendering programme; one such effort specified a total of 197 utility helicopters for the Indian Army, 60 of which were to be directly purchased and the remaining 137 to be [[Licensed production|produced under licence]] by Indian aerospace company [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL).<ref name = "fi rfp"/> However, this tender, in which the [[Eurocopter Fennec]] appeared to be the frontrunner against the rival [[Bell 407]], eventually ended up being cancelled in response to allegations of irregularities in the selection process; [[Eurocopter]] was subsequently investigated and exonerated of any wrongdoing.<ref name = "bell out 08">Govindasamy, Siva. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-helicopter-pulls-out-of-indian-defence-market-319108/ "Bell Helicopter pulls out of Indian defence market."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811011811/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/bell-helicopter-pulls-out-of-indian-defence-market-319108/ |date=2017-08-11 }} ''Flight International'', 20 November 2008.</ref><ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/eurocopter-eyes-asian-growth-markets-319317/ "Eurocopter eyes Asian growth markets."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811055337/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/eurocopter-eyes-asian-growth-markets-319317/ |date=2017-08-11 }} ''Flight International'', 25 November 2008.</ref> Consequently, new [[safeguard]]s were implemented to ensure impartiality and the replacement effort was subsequently restarted.<ref name = "fi rfp"/>

During July 2008, the [[Government of India]] circulated a [[request for proposals]] (RFP) to various helicopter companies, including [[AgustaWestland]], [[Bell Helicopter]], Eurocopter, [[Kamov]] and [[Sikorsky Aircraft|Sikorsky]], for a fleet of 197 light utility helicopters to be purchased in a fly-away condition directly from the manufacturer in order to speed up their delivery.<ref name = "fi rfp"/> Intended for military purposes, the potential contract was valued as a maximum of $750 million, of which 30 per cent was required to be invested within India under the government's policy of industrial [[Offset agreement|offset]]s; HAL was also specified as to provide domestic maintenance activities for the fleet, who were reportedly also keen to manufacture further examples locally and further develop the selected type.<ref name = "fi rfp"/> It had been initially hoped that trials would begin in 2009 and that helicopter deliveries could commence as early as 2010.<ref name = "fi rfp">Govindasamy, Siva. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-issues-light-utility-helicopter-request-for-pr-226059/ "India issues light utility helicopter request for proposals."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811011643/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-issues-light-utility-helicopter-request-for-pr-226059/ |date=2017-08-11 }} ''Flight International'', 28 July 2008.</ref><ref name = "bell out 08"/>

By late 2008, Bell had announced its decision not to participate despite earlier considerations on offering a variant of their Bell 407 helicopter; according to Bell, the high offset requirements had made any bid less feasible and thus the company chose to withdraw from the Indian military market.<ref name = "bell out 08"/> Rival firm [[Russian Helicopters]], submitting its [[Kamov Ka-226|Kamov Ka-226T]], was another major competitor for the competition.<ref>Dron, Alan. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/russian-helicopters-set-to-sign-new-contracts-357614/ "Russian Helicopters set to sign new contracts."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811103919/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/russian-helicopters-set-to-sign-new-contracts-357614/ |date=2017-08-11 }} ''Flight International'', 18 June 2011.</ref> Shortly after the selection of the Ka-226T to meet the requirement, during December 2015, an agreement was signed for the creation of a [[joint venture]] between [[Rostec]], Russian Helicopters and HAL to manufacture the Ka-226T at a new factory to be built at [[Tumakuru]], India.<ref name="hal">{{Cite web |title=Rostec to aid HAL with indigenous KA-226T production |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/rostec-to-aid-hal-with-indigenous-ka-226t-production-420418 |date=30 December 2015 |website=Flight International |access-date=10 August 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160328133335/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/rostec-to-aid-hal-with-indigenous-ka-226t-production-420418/ |archive-date=28 March 2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> Meanwhile, HAL, which had long held ambitions to design and produce such an aircraft, sought to establish a partnership with a Western manufacturer with considerable technical knowhow in the field; reportedly, Eurocopter were viewed as being the favourite, having already worked with HAL for decades on previous ventures, such as the Chetak and Cheetal that were being replaced.<ref>Govindasamy, Siva. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hindustan-aeronautics-likely-to-partner-eurocopter-o-319398/ "Hindustan Aeronautics likely to partner Eurocopter on indigenous light utility helicopter."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811010853/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hindustan-aeronautics-likely-to-partner-eurocopter-o-319398/ |date=2017-08-11 }} ''Flight International'', 25 November 2008.</ref>

===Project launch===
[[File:HAL Light Utility Helicopter.jpg|thumb|Light Utility Helicopter mock-up at [[Aero India]] 2011|left]]
During February 2009, India's defence ministry approved HAL's proposal to enter the design phase on an indigenous design that could potentially meet the requirements of the competition, as well to explore partnership arrangements.<ref>Govindasamy, Siva. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aero-india-mod-gives-go-ahead-to-light-utility-heli-322577/ "AERO INDIA: MoD gives go-ahead to light utility helicopter project."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811010332/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aero-india-mod-gives-go-ahead-to-light-utility-heli-322577/ |date=2017-08-11 }} ''Flight International'', 14 February 2009.</ref> HAL promptly performed preliminary design studies on a prospective 3-tonne light helicopter, powered by a single [[HAL/Turbomeca Shakti]] [[turboshaft]] engine and possessing a range of up to 500 km (270 nm) and a payload capacity of up to 500 kg (1,100 lb). In March 2010, HAL announced that it had decided to proceed on the LUH project alone, without any international partner participating in its development.<ref>Govindasamy, Siva. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hindustan-aeronautics-to-go-it-alone-on-observation-339527/ "Hindustan Aeronautics to go it alone on observation helicopter."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811010644/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hindustan-aeronautics-to-go-it-alone-on-observation-339527/ |date=2017-08-11 }} ''Flight International'', 18 March 2010.</ref>

In February 2011, HAL unveiled a full-sized mockup of its LUH design.<ref name = "luh mockup 11">Govindasamy, Siva. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aero-india-hal-reveals-light-utility-helicopter-moc-352947/ "AERO INDIA: HAL reveals Light Utility Helicopter mock-up."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811011809/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aero-india-hal-reveals-light-utility-helicopter-moc-352947/ |date=2017-08-11 }} ''Flight International'', 9 February 2011.</ref> At this point, the design of the LUH was officially frozen, but some elements, such as the powerplant, were yet to be selected for the type; additionally, the first prototype was anticipated to be constructed by the end of 2012 and the first flight was scheduled to occur during 2013.<ref name = "luh mockup 11"/> By early November 2012, the bottom structure assembly of the LUH ground test vehicle had been completed. According to HAL, the manufacturing [[jig (tool)|jig]]s, which are of a modular and gaugeless design, consisting of five assembly jigs and a coupling jig, had been developed and validated using Computer Aided Measurement System (CAMS) to establish high accuracy and stability, which produces smooth and flawless 'First off' structure build.<ref>[http://www.spsnavalforces.com/exclusive/?id=59&h=LUH-bottom-structure-assembly-completed "LUH bottom structure assembly completed."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811055657/http://www.spsnavalforces.com/exclusive/?id=59&h=LUH-bottom-structure-assembly-completed |date=2017-08-11 }} ''spsnavalforces.com'', 3 November 2012.</ref>[[File:Indian Army Officers and HAL test pilot Wing Commander (retired) Unni K. Pillai with LUH in background.jpg|thumb| HAL test pilot Wing Commander (retired) Unni K. Pillai and Director General of [[Army Aviation Corps (India)|Army Aviation Corps]] Lt Gen AK Suri with LUH.]]In March 2014, HAL promoted its LUH's capabilities as a civilian multirole helicopter, noting its ability to carry up to six passengers in an appropriate configuration.<ref>Waldron, Greg. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-aviation-hal-displays-civilian-helicopter-co-396940/ "INDIA AVIATION: HAL displays civilian helicopter concepts."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811103747/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-aviation-hal-displays-civilian-helicopter-co-396940/ |date=2017-08-11 }} ''Flight International'', 12 March 2014.</ref>

=== Test programme===
Following repeated delays to the type's first flight, on 6 September 2016, the first prototype LUH PT-1 (ZG4620) conduct its [[maiden flight]] outside HAL's manufacturing facility at [[Bangalore]].<ref name="First Flight"/><ref name="bs 16">Shukla, Ajai. [http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/hal-conducts-technical-flight-of-indigenous-light-utility-helicopter-116090600828_1.html "HAL's light utility helicopter takes inaugural flight."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811060038/http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/hal-conducts-technical-flight-of-indigenous-light-utility-helicopter-116090600828_1.html|date=2017-08-11}} ''Business Standard'', 7 September 2016.</ref> The maiden flight, which was reportedly flown without any issues, marked the commencement of the flight test phase of development.<ref name="fi maid 16" />

On 14 February 2017, the first prototype performed an aerobatic display in front of members of the general public in Aero India 2017.<ref>[http://www.oneindia.com/india/asia-s-largest-air-show-begins-2347395.html&h= "Asia's Largest Air Show Begins"]{{Dead link|date=June 2019|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} ''oneindia.com''.</ref> Based on the feedback from the first prototype, a more refined second prototype performed its first flight on 22 May 2017.<ref name="ndtv 17">[http://www.ndtv.com/india-news/hal-test-flies-second-prototype-of-light-utility-helicopters-1697449&h= "HAL Test Flies Second Prototype Of Light Utility Helicopters"] ''ndtv.com'', 24 May 2017.</ref><ref>Waldron, Greg. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/second-hal-light-utility-helicopter-takes-flight-437520/ "Second HAL Light Utility Helicopter takes flight."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811103917/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/second-hal-light-utility-helicopter-takes-flight-437520/|date=2017-08-11}} ''Flight International'', 26 May 2017.</ref>

The LUH flew at 6 km altitude Envelope Expansion Test at Bengaluru, a critical certification requirement, in December 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/city/hal-s-light-utility-helicopter-707467.html |title=HAL's Light Utility copter clears 6-km altitude flight |date=11 December 2018 |publisher=Deccan Herald}}</ref> Subsequently, on 14 December 2018, the third prototype PT-3 had its maiden flight.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://english.manoramaonline.com/news/nation/2018/12/17/hal-luh-3rd-prototype-makes-maiden-flight.html |title=HAL's LUH 3rd prototype makes maiden flight |date=17 December 2018 |website=[[OnManorama]] |language=en |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2018, the LUH finished hot weather trials at [[Nagpur]]. Testing at sea-level altitudes was completed at [[Chennai]] in 2018 and at [[Pondicherry|Puducherry]] in 2019.<ref name="toiSept2019">{{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/luh-chopper-clears-weather-tests-at-himalayas/articleshow/70995737.cms |title=LUH chopper clears weather tests at Himalayas |date=5 September 2019 |website=The Times of India |url-status=live}}</ref>[[File:LUH at Leh.jpg|left|thumb|Final test flight of Army Acceptance Trial on 7 October 2021. ]]In January 2019, the LUH successfully completed cold weather trials.<ref name="theweekFeb2019">{{Cite web |url=https://www.theweek.in/news/india/2019/02/12/hal-light-utility-helicopter-to-prove-its-mettle-at-plane-carnival.html |title=HAL's Light Utility Helicopter to prove its mettle at plane carnival |last=Krishnan M. |first=Anantha |date=12 February 2019 |website=The Week |language=en |url-status=live}}</ref> The LUH undertook successful high altitude hot weather trials between 24 August and 2 September 2019.<ref name="toiSept2019" /> By 7 February 2020, three prototypes had cumulatively performed over 550 flights.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/green-light-to-hal-s-light-utility-helicopter-to-replace-ageing-cheetah-chetak-11581069961974.html |title=Green light to HAL's light utility helicopter to replace ageing Cheetah, Chetak |last=Sharma |first=Devansh |date=7 February 2020 |website=Livemint |language=en}}</ref> On 7 February 2020, the LUH received its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) from the [[Ministry of Defence (India)|Ministry of Defence]]'s (MoD) department of Defence Research and Development.<ref name="IOC">{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/hals-light-utility-helicopter-crosses-a-milestone/article30764907.ece |title=HAL's light utility helicopter crosses a milestone|date=7 February 2020 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2020/feb/08/light-utility-helicopter-gets-operational-clearance-2100579.html |title=Light Utility Helicopter gets operational clearance |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref>

The Indian Army has requested a final demonstration trial prior to the LUH goes into mass production. HAL announced the completion of the final demonstration trial on 9 September 2020, which involved envelope expansion, performance, flying qualities, payload and landing capabilities at the highest altitudes of [[Siachen Glacier]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=HAL completes new helicopter tests in Himalayas |url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/hal-completes-new-helicopter-tests-in-himalayas-326339 |access-date=9 September 2020 |website=WION |language=en}}</ref> The Final Operational Clearance (FOC) is planned for 2021, following tests focused on its automatic flight control system (AFCS).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Aroor|first=Shiv|title=India's Light Utility Helicopter In Ladakh For FINAL Trials|url=https://www.livefistdefence.com/2020/08/indias-light-utility-helicopter-in-ladakh-for-final-trials.html|access-date=2020-09-07|website=Livefist|language=en-US}}</ref>

During an official visit on 7 October 2021, Director General of [[Army Aviation Corps (India)|Army Aviation Corps]] Lt Gen AK Suri flew the final test [[sortie]] in Light Utility Helicopter which successfully completed the Army Acceptance Trial. HAL LUH is now ready for induction by the Indian Armed Forces.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lt Gen AK Suri flies test sortie in Light Utility Helicopter, trial successfully completed|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/national/general-news/lt-gen-ak-suri-flies-test-sortie-in-light-utility-helicopter-trial-successfully-completed20211007105645/|access-date=2021-10-07|website=ANI News|language=en}}</ref> From August 2022, HAL will start flight trial of limited series production (LSP) platform.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Singh|first=Rahul|date=2021-10-07|title=LUH military variant to make maiden test flight next August|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/luh-military-variant-to-make-maiden-test-flight-next-august-101633631284774.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-09|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

=== Manufacturing ===
While limited series production (LSP) will be completed from Bengaluru, HAL intends to perform mass production of the LUH at its new helicopter manufacturing complex at [[Tumkur|Tumakur]] that will have the capacity to produce helicopters of 3 ton to 12 ton category. The Tumakur assembly line will complete around 30 LUHs per year by 2019–2020; upon enacting Phase II, which will take another three-four years, production would be ramped up to 60 helicopters per year from 2023.<ref name="bs 16" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2019-02-22|title=HAL signs MoU with Central PWD for works at chopper factory|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/business/companies/220219/hal-signs-mou-with-central-pwd-for-works-at-chopper-factory.html|access-date=2021-11-03|website=Deccan Chronicle|language=en}}</ref>

Tumakur assembly line will become fully operational from March 2022.<ref name=":1" /> As per government report from [[Rajya Sabha]], Army and IAF will get two LSP each from 2022-23. After that HAL will start rolling out series production (SP) variants.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Punj|first=Vivek|date=2021-11-29|title=HAL to manufacture first four light utility helicopters by 2022-23: Centre|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/hal-to-manufacture-first-four-light-utility-helicopters-by-2022-23-centre-11638200029488.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-30|website=Mint|language=en}}</ref>

==Design==

{{expand section|date=August 2017}}
[[File:HAL LUH during hot and high altitude trials in Leh.jpg|thumb|LUH during hot and high altitude trials in Leh]]

The HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a 3-tonne class highly agile new generation light helicopter. According to HAL, it possesses a cruise speed of 235 km/h, maximum speed of 260 km/h, service ceiling of up to 6.5 km, a range of 350 km with maximum take-off weight of 3.12 tonne and an empty weight of 1.91 tonne.<ref name="luh mockup 11" /> The LUH will be capable of accommodating a maximum of two pilots and six passengers, all of which shall be seated on crash-worthy seats; externally, it is capable of carrying cargoes of up to 1 tonne under-slung. LUH with [[glass cockpit]]<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.defenseworld.net/news/23868/HAL_Light_Utility_Helicopter_Passes_6KM_Altitude_Flight_Test|title=HAL Light Utility Helicopter Passes 6KM Altitude Flight Test|website=www.defenseworld.net|access-date=2020-02-09}}</ref> will be able to undertake various missions, including [[emergency medical service]]s (EMS), troop transport, utility, [[search and rescue]] (S&R), [[VVIP]], [[aerial reconnaissance]] and [[surveillance]] missions.<ref name="luh mockup 11" /><ref name="fi maid 16">Waldron, Greg. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-indias-light-utility-helicopter-has-maid-429093/ "PICTURES: India's Light Utility Helicopter has maiden flight."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170811103914/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-indias-light-utility-helicopter-has-maid-429093/|date=2017-08-11}} ''Flight International'', 7 September 2016.</ref>

LUH is powered by a single 750 KW rated Shakti-1U [[turboshaft]] engine derived from [[Safran Ardiden]], co-developed by HAL and [[Turbomeca]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=8 November 2019|title=Safran Ardiden 1U helicopter engine obtains EASA certification|url=https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/safran-ardiden-1u-helicopter-engine-obtains-easa-certification-2019-11-08/pdf|url-status=live|access-date=2021-10-07|website=Safran Group}}</ref> It supports dual channel [[FADEC|Full Authority Digital Engine Control]] (FADEC) system along with backup fuel control system. The helicopter will be equipped with a [[glass cockpit]] featuring a [[Cockpit display system|Smart Cockpit Display System]] (SCDS) along with a skid-based landing gear arrangement.<ref name="luh mockup 11" />

==Operator==
Ministry of Defence placed an initial order of 12 Light Utility Helicopters out of which 6 are for [[Indian Army]] and another 6 for the [[Indian Air Force]]. First LUH will be delivered by August 2022. Total 187 helicopters are planned out of which 126 LUH is planned for the Indian Army with the remaining 61 for the Indian Air Force.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Indigenous light choppers get go-ahead, delivery in 2022|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/indigenous-light-choppers-get-go-ahead-delivery-in-22/articleshow/81638498.cms}}</ref> Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on 2 November 2021 approved purchase of 12 Limited Series Production (LSP) variant of LUH.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|last=Siddiqui|first=Huma|date=2021-11-02|title=DAC approves Rs 7,965 cr proposals: IAF, Army to get new helicopters; Navy gets new fire control systems.|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/dac-approves-rs-7965-cr-proposals-iaf-army-to-get-new-helicopters-navy-gets-new-fire-control-systems/2362070/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-03|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US}}</ref>

==Specifications==
{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''Jane's All the World's Aircraft'',<ref name="jawa-1617">{{cite book|editor1-last=Jackson|editor1-first=Paul|editor2-last=Peacock|editor2-first=Lindsay|editor3-last=Bushell|editor3-first=Susan|editor4-last=Willis|editor4-first=David|editor5-last=Winchester|editor5-first=Jim|title=IHS Jane's All the World's Aircraft: Development & Production|date=2016–2017|location=Couldson|isbn=978-0710631770|page=309|chapter=India}}</ref> HAL<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hal-india.co.in/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=64 |title=LUH |website=hal-india.com|access-date=24 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124025731/https://hal-india.co.in/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=64 |archive-date=24 November 2020 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|prime units?=met
|genhide=
|crew=2
|capacity=6 passengers
|length m=11.49
|length ft=37
|length in=8.25
|length note=
|span m=
|span ft=
|span in=
|span note=
|upper span m=
|upper span ft=
|upper span in=
|upper span note=
|mid span m=
|mid span ft=
|mid span in=
|mid span note=
|lower span m=
|lower span ft=
|lower span in=
|lower span note=
|swept m=
|swept ft=
|swept in=
|swept note=
|dia m=
|dia ft=
|dia in=
|dia note=
|width m=
|width ft=
|width in=
|width note=
|height m=3.38
|height ft=11
|height in=1
|height note= up to the top of the tailfin
|wing area sqm=
|wing area sqft=
|wing area note=
|swept area sqm=
|swept area sqft=
|swept area note=
|volume m3=
|volume ft3=
|volume note=
|aspect ratio=
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg=1,910
|empty weight lb=4,211
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg=
|gross weight lb=
|gross weight note=
|max takeoff weight kg=3,150
|max takeoff weight lb=6,945
|max takeoff weight note=
|fuel capacity=
|lift kg=
|lift lb=
|lift note=
|more general=

|eng1 number=1
|eng1 name=[[HAL/Turbomeca Shakti|HAL/Turbomeca Shakti-1U]]<ref>{{cite web |title=Safran Ardiden 1U helicopter engine obtains EASA certification |url=https://www.safran-group.com/pressroom/safran-ardiden-1u-helicopter-engine-obtains-easa-certification-2019-11-08 |publisher=Safran |access-date=12 October 2021}}</ref>
|eng1 type=[[turboshaft]] engine
|eng1 kw=798
|eng1 hp=
|eng1 shp=1,070
|eng1 kn=
|eng1 lbf=
|eng1 note=derated
|power original=
|thrust original=
|eng1 kn-ab=
|eng1 lbf-ab=

|eng2 number=
|eng2 name=
|eng2 type=
|eng2 kw=
|eng2 hp=
|eng2 shp=
|eng2 kn=
|eng2 lbf=
|eng2 note=
|eng2 kn-ab=
|eng2 lbf-ab=

|eng3 number=
|eng3 name=
|eng3 type=
|eng3 kw=
|eng3 hp=
|eng3 shp=
|eng3 kn=
|eng3 lbf=
|eng3 note=
|eng3 kn-ab=
|eng3 lbf-ab=
|more power=

|prop blade number=
|prop name=
|prop dia m=
|prop dia ft=
|prop dia in=
|prop dia note=

|rot number= 1
|rot dia m= 11.6
|rot dia ft= 38
|rot dia in= 0.75
|rot area sqm=
|rot area sqft=
|rot area note=

|perfhide=

|max speed kmh=250
|max speed mph=155
|max speed kts=135
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=
|cruise speed kmh=235
|cruise speed mph=146
|cruise speed kts=127
|cruise speed note=
|stall speed kmh=
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|never exceed speed kmh=259
|never exceed speed mph=161
|never exceed speed kts=140
|never exceed speed note=
|minimum control speed kmh=
|minimum control speed mph=
|minimum control speed kts=
|minimum control speed note=
|range km=350
|range miles=217
|range nmi=189
|range note=with 500 kg payload
|combat range km=
|combat range miles=
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=500
|ferry range miles=310
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note= on internal fuel
|endurance=
|ceiling m=6500
|ceiling ft=
|ceiling note=
|g limits=
|roll rate=
|glide ratio=
|climb rate ms=6.66
|climb rate ftmin=1,426
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|sink rate ms=
|sink rate ftmin=
|sink rate note=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|disk loading kg/m2=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=

|more performance=

|armament=
|guns=
|bombs=
|rockets=
|missiles=
|hardpoints=
|hardpoint capacity=
|hardpoint rockets=
|hardpoint missiles=
|hardpoint bombs=
|hardpoint other=

|avionics=
}}

== See also ==
{{aircontent
|see also=
|related=
* [[HAL Dhruv]]
* [[Indian Multi Role Helicopter]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Bell 429 GlobalRanger|Bell 429]]
* [[Eurocopter UH-72 Lakota]]
* [[Kazan Ansat]]
|sequence=
|lists=
* [[List of rotorcraft]]
}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|HAL Light Utility Helicopter}}
* [http://www.hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=64 HAL LUH official site]

{{HAL aircraft}}

[[Category:HAL aircraft]]
[[Category:Military helicopters]]
[[Category:Indian helicopters]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 2016]]

HAL Light Utility Helicopter - Revision history

2405:201:E021:401E:6583:E11B:85FF:CF42 at 20:46, 18 January 2022