Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines are jointly developing and producing the new 'Aravalli' high-power helicopter engine, a significant step in India's pursuit of self-reliance in aerospace propulsion. This engine, designed to deliver 3,500-4,000 shaft horsepower, will power HAL's forthcoming 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines are jointly developing and producing the new 'Aravalli' high-power helicopter engine, a significant step in India's pursuit of self-reliance in aerospace propulsion. This engine, designed to deliver 3,500-4,000 shaft horsepower, will power HAL's forthcoming 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines are jointly developing and producing the new 'Aravalli' high-power helicopter engine, a significant step in India's pursuit of self-reliance in aerospace propulsion. This engine, designed to deliver 3,500-4,000 shaft horsepower, will power HAL's forthcoming 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant.

India's efforts to enhance capabilities in the critical field of aero-engine technology have marked another milestone as state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines move ahead with the development and production of a new-generation high-power helicopter engine.

HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a contract with their joint venture, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd., for the design, development, manufacture, supply and lifecycle support of the new Aravalli engine.

The engine, in the 3,500-4,000 shaft horsepower (shp) class, has been selected to power HAL's upcoming 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), according to a statement.

The development assumes significance for India's pursuit of greater self-reliance in aerospace propulsion, a technologically critical area for the country's future indigenous aircraft programmes.

Named after one of the world's oldest mountain ranges, the Aravalli engine is intended to strengthen India's indigenous capabilities in propulsion technologies for future-generation rotorcraft.

HAL described the agreement as a major milestone for India's aerospace and defence ecosystem.

HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K said the programme would help create the technological foundation required to power India's next generation of helicopters. "The signing of this contract marks a significant step forward in India's pursuit of self-reliance in aero-engine technologies."

"Through this collaborative programme with SAFHAL and Safran Helicopter Engines, we are creating a strong foundation for powering next-generation Indian helicopter platforms," Ravi K added.

He said the Aravalli programme would not only support the operational requirements of the IMRH and DBMRH but also contribute to the creation of a stronger domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem.

The contract was signed by Ajay Kumar Shrivastava, Director, Engineering, Research & Development, HAL, and Olivier Savin, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Safran Helicopter Engines.

Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cédric Goubet highlighted another important aspect of the programme, saying it was the first time the company had undertaken co-development of an engine in this class.

"The Aravalli engine programme represents a new chapter in the strategic relationship between France and India, combining the expertise of our teams to develop world-class propulsion systems for future Indian rotorcraft," Goubet said.

"This is the first time Safran HE has taken up such a class of engine as co-development," he added.

SAFHAL will draw on the expertise of both HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines to develop the new propulsion system. The programme will cover advanced design methodologies, manufacturing processes, testing and product support.

The objective is to develop an engine offering high levels of performance, reliability, maintainability and operational effectiveness.

The significance of the programme extends beyond powering the IMRH and DBMRH. It is also expected to contribute to the development of indigenous Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities in India.

The engine could eventually have applications outside the military sector as well, with potential civil uses including offshore transportation, utility missions and VVIP transport.

Safran's helicopter engine partnership with HAL stretches from the Artouste engines used on the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters to the Shakti engine family powering the Advanced Light Helicopter, Light Combat Helicopter and Light Utility Helicopter.

The Aravalli programme takes that partnership further by moving into the joint design and development of a new high-power turboshaft engine specifically intended for future medium-lift rotorcraft.

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