HAL Test Flies 3rd Light Copter Prototype

Bengaluru: State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has test flown the third prototype of Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), the defense behemoth said on Monday. “The third prototype (PT3) of LUH made its maiden flight on December 14. The chopper was flown by test pilots Wing Commander (retired) Anil Bhambhani and Group Captain (retired) M.R. Anand,” the city-based HAL said in a statement.

The development came soon after the defense major announced on December 10 that a prototype of the LUH was test flown at an altitude of six kilometres, which is considered a critical requirement for the certification of the light helicopter. The third prototype’s flight was flawless and would augment the flight testing towards certification, HAL said. “With this flight, LUH is now close to production clearance and HAL is confident of meeting the requirements of the armed forces,” said the aerospace major Chairman and Managing Director R. Madhavan in the statement.

The LUH is a three-tonne class single-engine light helicopter under development by the HAL, so as to replace the aging Cheetah and Chetak choppers used by the Indian defense forces. (IANS)

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