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Naval Helicopters: Critical trials ahead for indigenous ALH
YB WEB DESK. Dated: 4/16/2021 1:14:41 PM
New Delhi, Apr 15 With a plan to manufacture naval utility helicopters under a strategic partnership model in the doldrums, all eyes are on a critical trial of an indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter being modified for ship-borne operations of the Navy. A crucial trial of the folding tail boom – the aft section of the chopper – is planned by next month to demonstrate that the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) can easily fit into hangars and heli-decks of frontline warships, people familiar with the development told ET. The first ALH with a modified tail section as per the navy’s specifications is ready and is expected to fly within a month as part of the developmental tests, they said. The trial is being conducted by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd that manufactures the said ALH. The modification gains importance as the navy’s plan to acquire 111 new utility helicopters under the strategic partnership model reached a dead end with no progress being made in over a year. The plan has been stalled after concerns were raised on the non-inclusion of HAL in the competition that was restricted to Indian private sector players. As first reported by ET, the Navy has already floated a requirement for more than 20 utility helicopters to be taken on a lease basis to meet immediate requirements. This is a short-term plan till a suitable platform is ready. The ALH – which is already in service with air force, army and navy – was being pitched as an option for the navy for ship-borne operations, but it lacks a folding tail and a fully retractable rotor blades that are crucial for such operations. Sources said the folding tail will soon be demonstrated and the next step of retractable rotor blades is also being worked on and is expected to be ready within two years.