On 30 August 2024,
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd
(SAFHAL) signed an airframer contract, to commence joint design, development,
manufacture, supply and support of a new generation high power engine named
'Aravalli' for the 13 ton medium lift class, Indian Multi-Role Helicopter
(IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), being designed and
developed by HAL.
The name 'Aravalli'
derived from the mighty mountain range of India, symbolises the aspirations of
the country in achieving Aatmanirbharta
in critical engine technologies. The contract was signed by Mr. S Anbuvelan, CEO (Helicopter Complex),
HAL and Mr. Olivier SAVIN, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and EVP, Sales
& Marketing, Safran Helicopter Engines and Mr. S K Mehta, Director, SAFHAL
Helicopter Engines and Executive Director (Finance), HAL.
Mr. C B Ananthakrishnan,
Chairman and Managing Director (Addl. Charge), HAL stated, "This
partnership with SAFHAL marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards achieving
technological self-reliance in India's aerospace and defence sector. The
collaboration 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 stated, "We are extremely proud to collaborate
with HAL on this strategic project, capitalising on 25 years of successful
partnership between Safran and HAL. With this project, we are enriching the
collaboration with HAL as well as the strategic relationship between India and
France. Our combined expertise and resources will ensure the success of the
IMRH and DBMRH programmes, while contributing to the growth of India's
aerospace and defence sector. Together we remain fully dedicated to our
customers in India. We look forward to designing, producing and supporting
those new efficient helicopter engines"
SAFHAL, a joint venture between
Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and HAL, is dedicated to the design, development,
production, sales and support of new generation helicopter engines in India,
marks a significant milestone in India's aerospace and defence sector, aiming
to enhance the nation's Aatmanirbharta
in helicopter engine technology.
Under this
strategic contract, SAFHAL will work with its parent companies on cutting edge
engine technologies, ensuring superior performance, reliability and operational
efficiency. This collaboration involves state-of-the-art design, advanced
manufacturing processes and rigorous testing protocols to meet the highest
global standards.
IMRH is a new 13
ton multi-role helicopter designed by HAL to meet the requirements of the
Indian Armed Forces. A naval version, the 12.5 ton DBMRH is also being
developed for the Indian Navy. The engines will be designed to operate in
diverse and challenging environments in which these helicopters get deployed.
Future extension to the civil market for offshore operations, utility, VVIP
transport etc., is also planned followed by MRO activities.
Safran Helicopter
Engines has been HAL's partner of choice for powering its helicopters, starting
with the Artouste engines used in Cheetah and Chetak, followed by Shakti engine
and its variants powering the ALH, LCH and LUH. The present collaboration
elevates this time tested relationship to the next level through the joint
design and development of modern state-of-the-art helicopter engines intended
for application in medium lift helicopters.