At Aero India 2025, the HAL-developed Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) attracted a lot of attention due to its maneuvers and domestic development. At its ‘Bidare Kavalu Sandra’ PSU facility in the Tumkur district, close to Bangalore, LUH is manufactured entirely with domestic technology.
The Atmanirbhar Bharat Mission, which aims to lessen dependency on foreign technologies, is in line with this. Modern technology, including a glass cockpit with multi-function displays, is incorporated into this new generation three-ton helicopter.
It has been successfully tested in the Himalayas and boasts sophisticated features.
The helicopter can operate at sea level or at high altitudes and is lightweight, adaptable, and crash-proof. It is capable of carrying out armed roles, troop transport, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. It has six seats, weighs less than 2000 kg, and can cruise at a maximum speed of 235 km/h.
A single 750 KW Shakti-1U turboshaft engine powers the LUH, which also has a glass cockpit with a Smart Cockpit Display System (SCDS). It is intended for a number of tasks, such as search and rescue, cargo transportation, and troop transport.
The LUH can travel up to 6.5 km in service, cruise at 235 km/h, and reach a top speed of 260 km/h. With a 500 kg payload, its range is 350 km. The helicopter can carry up to one ton of external cargo and hold two pilots and six passengers.
The LUH was created by HAL to take the place of the Indian military’s Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. It incorporates cutting-edge systems and technologies. The helicopter can reach altitudes of more than 20,000 feet.
Over 1,000 LUH helicopters are to be produced by HAL over the next 20 years.
The Aero India 2025 air displays featured eight LUHs.
