Welcome to Helicopter Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

Helicopter Division was established in July 1970. The division manufactures single engine as well as twin engine helicopters to cater the growing needs of the market.

Helicopter Division manufactures Advanced Light Helicopter ALH-Dhruv and ALH-Rudra, LCH (Light Combat Helicopter), LUH (Light Utility Helicopter), Cheetah, Chetak, Cheetal & Lancer helicopters.
 
The division is supported by the co-located R&D centre – Rotary Wing Research & Design Centre (RWR&DC).
The MRO division caters to the Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul activities of helicopters.  The Rotory Wing Academy focuses on training of pilots.
 
HAL started manufacturing of helicopters in 1962, by entering an agreement with M/s SUD-AVIATION (Presently M/s EUROCOPTER, France) for production of Aloutte III helicopters. (Chetak). The first Chetak (Aloutte III) in ‘Fly Away’ condition delivered in 1965.
 
License agreement for production of Cheetah (LAMA SA 315-B) signed with M/s SNIAS (presently M/s, Eurocopter) in 1970. First
Cheetah manufactured from raw materials was delivered in 1976-77.

In 1990s, HAL has developed a light attack helicopter “Lancer”. The basic structure of the lancer is derived from reliable and proven Cheetah helicopter. The helicopter has bullet proof front panels. Gun cum Rocket pod one each (70 mm Rocket+12.5 mm Gun) fitted on either side. An optical sight has been fitted for accurate firing.
 
The Cheetal helicopter is a re-engined variant of Cheetah helicopter. The Cheetal helicopter set the world record of world’s highest landing at ‘Saser Kangri’ of Himalayas in 2006.HAL Helicopter division has successfully manufactured 682 Single Engine helicopters.
 
HAL achieved self-reliance in design, developing & manufacturing of twin engine Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).  ALH is a multi-role, multi mission all weather helicopter in the 5.5 ton category. The indigenously designed twin engine helicopter started series production during 2001-2002. Division has produced 336 ALH in different variants.

LCH is indigenously designed and developed as a Dedicated Combat Helicopter in 5.8 Ton category. Dedicated combat helicopter capable of operating in all-weather & extreme climatic conditions with high degree of reliability, high agility and maneuverability. The LCH is being designed to fit into an anti-infantry and anti-armour role and will be able to operate at high altitudes. LCH is an attack helicopter with tandem seat configuration. Division has produced 10 LCH against the limited series production of LCH.

Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a single engine 3 ton Helicopter indigenously designed and developed by HAL to meet the requirements of Indian Armed Forces. This helicopter is basically for utility role, observation /reconnaissance role etc. Further in a developing economy like India, helicopters of this category are of huge demand in Civilian side. New facilities are being developed at Tumkur to meet the future requirements.  In the new facilities of Helicopter Division at Tumkur, LUH was flown during Dec 2018. Division has been commence the production activities against the limited series production of LUH.

The division is accredited with AS 9100 ‘D’ and ISO 14001:2004.
 
The division is also approved following certification by Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)
 

• Production Organization Exposition (POE) Under Civil Aviation Requirements – 21 (CAR-21)
• Maintenance Organization Exposition (MOE)Under Civil Aviation Requirements – 145 (CAR-145)
• Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO)Under Civil Aviation Requirements – M (CAR-M)
• DGAQA Certification Under AFQMS-2011(Approval of Firm and It’s Quality Management System)

            and approved Type Certificate for Dhruv from DGAC, Chile.
 
HAL with the proven track record of manufacturing more than 1000 helicopters, the helicopter division has expand its design, developing & production range by manufacturing new helicopters like Weapon System Integrated (WSI) version of Dhruv (Christened as “Rudra”), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).