Indian Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Received Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) Friday paving the way to commence its production.

LUH is a single engine, light weight, agile 3-ton utility helicopter, designed to meet the operational requirements of Indian Army & Air Force. LUH will soon replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters.

Three prototypes have been built and cumulatively completed over 550 flights under various terrains and climatic conditions like cold weather, hot weather, sea-level and high altitude complying to stringent certification and user requirements.

Its endurance and reliability were established during the hot weather and high-altitude trials where in LUH was ferried from Bengaluru, covering over 7000 km of distance and continuously flying for 17 days without any abnormalities.

“HAL is now moving towards the next phase of integrating and flight testing of Mission & Role Equipment on LUH,” said Arup Chatterjee, Director, Engineering & R&D, HAL.

R Madhavan, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL received the IOC document from G Sateesh Reddy, Secretary, Department of Defence R & D and Chairman, DRDO at the ‘Bandhan’ programme held at ongoing DefExpo 2020. One LUH Prototype is part of flying display and another is part of static display at the exhibition.