SAFRAN HELICOPTER ENGINES

HAL selects SAFHAL Helicopter Engines to develop and produce Aravalli engines for powering India’s IMRH and DBMRH platforms

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have signed an airframer contract, to commence joint design, development, manufacture, supply, and support of a new generation high power engine named Aravalli for the 13-ton Medium Lift class, Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), being designed & developed by HAL. The name ARAVALLI derived from the mighty mountain range of India, symbolises the aspirations of our country in achiveing Aatmanirbharta in critical engine technologies. Aatmanirbharta in critical engine technologies.

The contract was signed by Mr. S Anbuvelan, CEO (Helicopter Complex), HAL, and Mr. Olivier Savin, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and EVP, OEM Sales and Marketing, Safran Helicopter Engines and Mr S K Mehta, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Director (Finance), HAL. SAFHAL, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, dedicated to the design, development, production, sales and support of new generation helicopter engines in India, marks a significant milestone in India’s aerospace and defense sector, aiming to enhance the nation’s Aatmanirbharta in helicopter engine technology. Under this strategic contract, SAFHAL, will work with their parent companies on cutting-edge engine technologies, ensuring superior performance, reliability, and operational efficiency. This collaboration involves state-of-the-art design, advanced manufacturing processes, and rigorous testing protocols to meet the highest global standards.

IMRH is a new 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed by HAL to meet the requirements of the Indian armed forces. A naval version, the 12.5-ton DBMRH (Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter), is also being developed for the Indian Navy. The engines will be designed to operate in diverse and challenging environments in which these Helicopters will be deployed. Future extension to civil market for offshore operations, Utility, VVIP transport etc., is also planned followed by MRO activities. Mr. C B Ananthakrishnan, HAL Chairman and Managing Director, stated, “This partnership with SAFHAL marks a pivotal moment in our journey toward achieving technological self-reliance in India’s aerospace and defence sector. This collaboration will not only ensure the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also contribute to the broader goal of indigenous development of critical defence technologies.” Mr. Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, added, “We are extremly proud to collaborate with HAL on this strategic project, capitalizing on 25 years of successful partnership between Safran and HAL. With this project, we are enriching the collaboration with HAL as well as the strategic relationship between India and France. Our combined expertise and resources will ensure the success of the IMRH and DBMRH programs, while contributing to the growth of India’s aerospace & defence sector.Together we remain fully dedicated to our customers in India. We look forward to designing, producing and supporting those new efficient helicopter engines” Safran Helicopter Engines has been HAL’s partner of choice for powering its helicopters, starting with the Artouste engines used in Cheetah and Chetak, followed by Shakti engine and its variants powering the ALH, LCH and LUH. The present collaboration elevates this time-tested relationship to the next level through the joint design and development of modern state-of-the-art helicopter engines intended for application in Medium lift Helicopters.

Safran is an international high-technology group, operating in the aviation (propulsion, equipment and interiors), defense and space markets. Its core purpose is to contribute to a safer, more sustainable world, where air transport is more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Safran has a global presence, with 83 000 employees and sales of 19.0 billion euros in 2022, and holds, alone or in partnership, world or regional leadership positions in its core markets. Safran is listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange and is part of the CAC 40 and Euro Stoxx 50 indices. Safran Helicopter Engines is the world’s leading manufacturer of helicopter engines, with more than 75,000 produced since being founded. It offers the widest range of helicopter turboshafts in the world and has more than 2,500 customers in 155 countries. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is a premier aerospace company under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, with its Corporate Office at Bangalore. The company has 20 production divisions and 11 Research & Design Centres spread across the country. HAL had its origin in 1940 as a private limited company founded by a far-sighted industrialist Seth Walchand Hirachand to manufacture aircraft. Over the past Seventy Eight years, HAL has spread its wings to cover various activities in the areas of Design, Development, Manufacture and Overhaul of advanced fighters, trainers, helicopters, transport aircraft & associated aero engines, accessories, avionics and airborne systems. It has also diversified into manufacture of structures for space vehicles like Polar/ Geostationary Satellite Launch Vehicles, Indian Remote Sensing and other Satellites, Industrial & Marine Gas Turbines as well as Commercial services at the HAL Airports at Bangalore and Nasik. source: SAFHAL

20240830 – SAFHAL – HAL selects SAFHAL Helicopter Engines to develop and produce Aravalli©Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.JPG