Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), a Maharatna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE), has infused an in-house fund of ₹4,000 crore for the development and production of Indian Multi Role Helicopters (IMRHs) to replace ageing Russian-origin Mi-17s and Mi-8s helicopters that have been a mainstay of armed forces for ages now.
The HAL Board of Directors’ decision last year to allocate seed funding was borne out of an understanding of the requirement of 419 medium-lift IMRH helicopters for tri-services, including 66 deck-based versions for the Navy, said sources.
HAL, explained sources, also initiated the development process in anticipation of a government order to avoid delays in completing the project, as the IAF is not just feeling the pinch in the acquisition of fighter jets but also in helicopters.
The Indian Air Force (IAF), expected to operate a bulk of 12.5-tonne category copters, will seek Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) nod later this year to secure development funds for the production of the IMRH.
The design and prototype of the IMRH alone are projected to cost around ₹13,000 crore, sources pointed out.
Additionally, the development of the Aravalli engine will cost upwards of ₹6,000 crore, they calculated.
As per the timelines outlined by the HAL, sources said, the production of the IMRH is set to begin in 2030-31, with the first prototype rotary-wing aircraft expected to take flight in two years from now.
While the IMRH variant, to be used by the Indian Army and the IAF, will weigh between 12.5 and 13 tonnes, the Deck-Based Multi Role Helicopter (DBMRH) will be slightly lighter, at 12 tonnes.
Last year, HAL signed a joint venture with France-based Safran Helicopter Engines, named SAFHAL, to develop the Aravalli engine.
This engine is designed to be heavier than Arieto that HAL already has and is intended to operate in more challenging and diverse conditions, said sources.
Safran and HAL have committed to delivering the Aravalli engine within six years of formalising the JV last year.
The first engine is expected to roll out from the assembly line in 2029, and the rigorous certification exercise will follow to ensure its fit on the IMRH platform for trials and later production.
The IMRH can get into combat roles too, with adequate weapon payloads, besides, it can also have civilian use.
All of it will depend on the orders HAL gets from the services, commented sources.
The forces operate different versions of an ageing fleet of copters like Mi-17V5s, which is the latest in comparison to Mi-17s. While Mi-8s were decommissioned from the service in 2017.
Mi-17V5 alone is around 250.