Hindustan Aeronautics Limited-developed Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) has achieved an important milestone of flying at 6 km altitude. The chopper was flown by Chief Test Pilot Wg Cdr. (Retd) Unni K. Pillai and Test Pilot, Wing Cdr (Retd) Anil Bhambhani.
According to HAL, the flight was carried out under the envelope expansion tests and flying at 6 km altitude was a critical requirement towards the certification of LUH. The helicopter exhibited satisfactory performance and handling qualities. With the completion of this milestone, LUH can now undertake high altitude cold weather trials planned in January 2019, HAL said in a statement.
The LUH is a 3-ton class new generation helicopter designed and developed by Rotary Wing Research and Design Center (RWR&DC) of HAL to replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters used by Indian Armed Forces. First flight of LUH PT-1 was carried on September 6, 2016 and the second Prototype flew on May 22, 2017. HAL has in principal order for 187 LUH that includes 126 for Indian Army and 61 for IAF.
The LUH is being indigenously developed by HAL to meet the requirements of both military and civil operators. The helicopter with glass cockpit can be deployed for reconnaissance, surveillance roles and as a light transport helicopter. The helicopter will be capable of flying at 220 Kmph, with a service ceiling of 6.5 Km and a range of 350 Km with 400 kg payload. The LUH is powered by TM/HAL Ardiden 1U/Shakti 1U single turbo shaft engine with sufficient power margins to cater to demanding high altitude missions.
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