Indigenously Developed LUH Clears 6 KMs Altitude Flight, Gets Ready For High-altitude Cold Weather Trials in Jan 2019

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has achieved an important milestone of flying The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) at 6 km altitude in Bengaluru, recently. The chopper was flown by Chief Test Pilot Wg. Cdr. (Retd) Unni K Pillai and Test Pilot, Wing Cdr (Retd) Anil Bhambhani. With the completion of this milestone, LUH can now undertake high altitude cold weather trials planned in January 2019.
 
The flight was carried out under the envelope expansion tests and flying at 6 km altitude is a critical requirement towards the certification of LUH. The helicopter exhibited satisfactory performance and handling qualities under the trails.

The much needed firepower comes amidst the recent frenzy of blame game on HAL for being incapable of producing  the licence based Rafale in India. The recent test of LUH and further on the world's most demanding terrain scheduled next month set the fact right. 

The successful trials have paved the way for HAL to go further for the extreme cold weather trails at places such as Siachen Glacier which is the also known as the highest battle ground on the earth situated at an average altitude of 18,000 ft above sea level. This is indeed a tremendous boost to the HAL as the Dhruv and LUH are designed to operate at altitudes up to 6.5 KMs (21,325 feet), a capability that few helicopters have in the world. Being able to hover and land in Siachen Galcier- and if done again successfully in January 2019, will set a benchmark in the helicopter design and prowess. HAL has in principal order for 187 LUH that includes 126 for Indian Army and 61 for IAF.

The LUH is a 3-ton class new generation helicopter designed and developed by Rotary Wing Research and Design Center (RWR&DC) of HAL to replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters used by Indian Armed Forces. First flight of LUH PT-1 was carried on September 6, 2016 and the second Prototype flew on May 22, 2017.  
 
The LUH is being indigenously developed by HAL to meet the requirements of both military and civil operators. The helicopter with Glass Cockpit can be deployed for Reconnaissance, Surveillance roles and as a light transport helicopter.  The helicopter will be capable of flying at 220 Kmph, with a service ceiling of 6.5 Km and a range of 350 Km with 400 kg payload.  The LUH is powered by TM/HAL Ardiden 1U/Shakti 1U single turbo shaft engine with sufficient power margins to cater to demanding high altitude missions.

Since 2009, after the go-ahead from the defence ministry, HAL started working on the design of 3-tonne light helicopter with standard and maneuverability matching to the capabilities of Cheetah and Chetak fleets. In 2010, HAL decided to go complete on its own and later bringing the LUH's capabilities as a civilian multi-role helicopter, noting its ability to carry up to six passengers.