<p><span class="bold"> </span>Indigenously designed and developed by state-owned aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) achieved an important milestone of flying at a 6-km altitude here recently.</p>.<p>The chopper was flown by Chief Test Pilot Wg Cdr (Retd) Unni K Pillai and Test Pilot, Wing Cdr (Retd) Anil Bhambhani. The flight was carried out under the envelope expansion tests. A HAL statement said flying at the 6-km altitude is a critical requirement towards the certification of LUH. “The helicopter exhibited satisfactory performance and handling qualities,” it said.</p>.<p>With the completion of this milestone, LUH is now prepared to undertake high-altitude cold weather trials, scheduled for January 2019.</p>.<p>The LUH is a three-ton class new generation helicopter designed and developed by the Rotary Wing Research and Design Center (RWR&DC) of HAL. The aircraft is set to replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters used by the Indian Armed Forces.</p>.<p>The first flight of LUH PT-1 was carried out on September 6, 2016. The second prototype flew on May 22, 2017. HAL has in-principle order for 187 LUH from the armed forces. These include 126 helicopters for the Indian Army and 61 for the Indian Air Force.</p>.<p>The LUH is being indigenously developed by HAL to meet the requirements of both military and civil operators. The helicopter, with a glass cockpit, can be deployed for reconnaissance and surveillance roles. It can also double up as a light transport helicopter.</p>.<p>The helicopter will be capable of flying at 220 kmph, with a service ceiling of 6.5 km and a range of 350 km, and with a payload of 400 kg. 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, according to HAL.</p>
<p><span class="bold"> </span>Indigenously designed and developed by state-owned aviation major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) achieved an important milestone of flying at a 6-km altitude here recently.</p>.<p>The chopper was flown by Chief Test Pilot Wg Cdr (Retd) Unni K Pillai and Test Pilot, Wing Cdr (Retd) Anil Bhambhani. The flight was carried out under the envelope expansion tests. A HAL statement said flying at the 6-km altitude is a critical requirement towards the certification of LUH. “The helicopter exhibited satisfactory performance and handling qualities,” it said.</p>.<p>With the completion of this milestone, LUH is now prepared to undertake high-altitude cold weather trials, scheduled for January 2019.</p>.<p>The LUH is a three-ton class new generation helicopter designed and developed by the Rotary Wing Research and Design Center (RWR&DC) of HAL. The aircraft is set to replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters used by the Indian Armed Forces.</p>.<p>The first flight of LUH PT-1 was carried out on September 6, 2016. The second prototype flew on May 22, 2017. HAL has in-principle order for 187 LUH from the armed forces. These include 126 helicopters for the Indian Army and 61 for the Indian Air Force.</p>.<p>The LUH is being indigenously developed by HAL to meet the requirements of both military and civil operators. The helicopter, with a glass cockpit, can be deployed for reconnaissance and surveillance roles. It can also double up as a light transport helicopter.</p>.<p>The helicopter will be capable of flying at 220 kmph, with a service ceiling of 6.5 km and a range of 350 km, and with a payload of 400 kg. 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, according to HAL.</p>