The home-grown Light Combat Helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd will make its maiden flight and fight for eyeballs amidst all the hot metal birds that are swarming this week's Bangalore air show.

The two-yearly Aero India 2011, the eighth edition of Asia's premier aviation event, will be on at the Yelahanka Air Base near here from February 9 to 13. The weaponised second prototype of the LCH will also be unveiled. The LCH is an attack variant of the Dhruv, which has been inducted into the armed forces. HAL has an order for more than 150 LCHs to be delivered to the services.

Tie-up with Russia

A model of medium-lift transport plane, the MTA, will be displayed at the HAL stall. The MTA will be manufactured by HAL and Russia's United Aircraft Corporation. It will replace the ageing AN-32 of the IAF.

The MTA can transport personnel under normal situation and also deploy paratroopers.

Another star HAL showpiece is the IJT or intermediate jet trainer. It will have a fixed base full mission simulator at the stall. The IJTs will replace the Kiran aircraft, which have won plaudits for their aerobatics at various air shows.

HAL pride

The aerobatics set of the multi-coloured Sarang (meaning peacock) is formed from the Dhruv or ALH helicopters - another HAL pride. Old favourites, the IAF's Surya Kirans, will be something to watch out for, HAL said.

“HAL is all set to rock Aero India 2011,” the staid old national flagship defence enterprise said on Sunday. Also on display will be models of the Dhruv, Dornier-228, Sukhoi-30 Mk I fighters and the UK product, the Hawk advanced jet trainer, that is being built under licence.

“We will showcase our future products and technologies, our designing capabilities and the excellence in manufacturing.

“We will use this platform to explore more business opportunities with other countries,” said HAL's Chairman, Ashok Nayak.

Export to Namibia

HAL has lined up an export delivery of a Cheetah helicopter to the Namibian Air Force, delivery of the first five of the 159 advanced light helicopters Dhruv Mk III to the Army and a mock-up of the light utility helicopter. The red and white LUH model, according to HAL, will be a big draw. The 3-tonne-class LUH is a new generation helicopter designed by HAL for military and civil operations and can undertake night flights and high altitude missions.

On February 9, the Cheetah will be handed over to a Namibian defence delegation. The five Army versions of the ALH MkIII are powered by the Shakti engine. The contract includes another 154 ALHs. Additional Director General, Army Aviation, Maj Gen P.K Bharali, will receive the delivery on February 10.

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