Third prototype of HAL’s light utility helicopter makes maiden flight

The flight was flawless and the prototype would augment development flight testing in conjunction with other two prototypes towards certification

GN Bureau | December 18, 2018


#HAL   #helicopter   #light utility helicopter  

Soon after flying at six kms altitude, HAL’s light utility helicopter (LUH) project gathered momentum as the third prototype made its maiden flight on December 14.

 
HAL said the flight was flawless and the prototype would augment development flight testing in conjunction with other two prototypes towards certification.
 
HAL’s CMD, R Madhavan said with this achievement, LUH is now close to production clearance and HAL is confident of meeting customer requirements of the armed forces.
 
The successful completion of the first flight of third prototype of LUH is a quantum leap and will soon replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah/Chetak, said HAL’s director (engineering, R&D) Arup Chatterjee.
 
First flight of LUH PT-1 was carried on September 6, 2016 and the second Prototype flew on May 22, 2017.  High altitude cold weather trials of the helicopter are planned in January next year.
 

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