HAL's light chopper tested to 20,000 feet, ready for high altitude trial

Success of Light Utility Helicopter opens door to civilian, export markets

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has displayed its proficiency in the demanding field of helicopter design by successfully testing its indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) to an altitude of six kilometres (almost 20,000 feet). 

In an organisation where engineers and technicians still smart over Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman's recent statement that HAL was not competent to manufacture the Rafale fighter under licence, there is quiet vindication. 

HAL stated on Monday that breaking the six-kilometre barrier was "a critical requirement towards the certification of LUH... With the completion of this milestone, LUH can now undertake high altitude, cold weather trials planned