HAL and SAFHAL Team Up to Create Powerful New Helicopter Engines

Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], August 30: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have signed a contract to jointly design, develop, manufacture, and support a new high-power engine named ‘Aravalli’. These engines will be used in the 13-ton Medium Lift class, the Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH), and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), all being developed by HAL.

The contract was signed by S Anbuvelan, CEO (Helicopter Complex) of HAL, Olivier Savin, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and EVP of Sales and Marketing at Safran Helicopter Engines, and SK Mehta, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Director (Finance) at HAL.

CB Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge) of HAL, said, “This partnership with SAFHAL marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards achieving technological self-reliance in India’s aerospace and defence sector.” He added that the collaboration will enhance the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms and contribute to the broader goal of indigenous development of critical defence technologies.

Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, emphasized that the combined expertise and resources will ensure the success of the IMRH and DBMRH programs while contributing to the growth of India’s aerospace and defence sector. “We are extremely proud to collaborate with HAL on this strategic project, capitalizing on 25 years of successful partnership between Safran and HAL. With this project, we are enriching the collaboration with HAL and the strategic relationship between India and France,” he said.

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. This collaboration aims to enhance India’s self-reliance 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 involves state-of-the-art design, advanced manufacturing processes, and rigorous testing protocols to meet the highest global standards.

Safran Helicopter Engines has been HAL’s partner for powering its helicopters, starting with the Artouste engines used in Cheetah and Chetak, followed by the Shakti engine and its variants powering the ALH, LCH, and LUH. The present collaboration elevates this relationship to the next level through the joint design and development of modern state-of-the-art helicopter engines intended for Medium Lift Helicopters.

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. Future extensions to the civil market for offshore operations, utility, VVIP transport, and more are also planned, followed by maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities.