HAL Signs Contract to Develop ‘High Power’ Engine for Multi-Role Helicopters

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has entered into a contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. to co-develop a high-power engine named Aravalli for multi-role helicopters. This information was shared by HAL in its press release dated 30th August 2024.

SAFHAL is a Joint Venture (JV) between France-headquartered Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL.

Hindustan Aeronautics and SAFHAL will collaborate on the design, development, production, and supply of these engines. According to HAL’s press release, the Aravalli engines will be used in the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), which are being designed and developed by HAL for the Indian Armed Forces.

Commenting on this partnership, Mr. C B Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director (Addl. Charge) of HAL, said “The collaboration [between HAL and SAFHAL] will not only ensure the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also contribute to the broader goal of indigenous development of critical defence technologies”.

Mr. Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, said “Our combined expertise and resources will ensure the success of the IMRH and DBMRH programs while contributing to the growth of India’s aerospace & defence sector”.