TECHNICAL FLIGHT OF LIGHT UTILITY HELICOPTER (LUH)

Achieving yet another significant milestone, HAL conducted a technical flight of indigenous LUH in Bengaluru on September 6, 2016. The flawless 15 minutes flight was carried out by HAL test pilots. This event marks an important and significant beginning for prototype testing of LUH. This is the third indigenous helicopter product from the stables of HAL after advanced light helicopter (ALH) and the light combat helicopter (LCH). Apart from replacement of ageing fleet of Cheetah/Chetak, LUH is expected to capture a sizeable share both in domestic and international markets. The LUH has a maximum all-up-weight of 3,150 kg, fitted with Safran HE Ardiden-1U engine of 750 kW power, with a range of 350 km, service ceiling 6.5 km, seating capacity of six passengers plus two pilots.