HAL to develop two new choppers

Bangalore: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, India’s state-run aircraft maker, plans to design and manufacture two new helicopters in an effort to meet growing demand from India’s military.
The two models are a lighter and smaller craft than the company’s Dhruv advanced light helicopter and a heavier 10-tonne multi-role helicopter that can lift cargo and troops to high-altitude regions in the Himalayas and the North Eastern parts of the country.
HAL said that the 10-tonne helicopter, which will be similar to the MI-17 of the Russians, will be jointly developed with a yet to be identified foreign collaborator; it did not disclose details of the light helicopter.
“We presently have an observation helicopter in the three tonne class like the Chetak; Dhruv is in the six tonne class and we want one in a heavier class,” said Ashok K Baweja, chairman, HAL at a seminar on helicopter technology organized by the Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industry (SIATI).
31/10/07 K Raghu/Livemint

To Read the News in full at Source, Click the Headline

Categories: New Oct 2007