HAL and SAFHAL join forces to develop 'Aravalli' helicopter engine

New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have inked a pivotal airframer contract to jointly design, develop, manufacture, and support a new generation high-power engine named 'Aravalli.' This engine is slated for the 13-ton medium lift Indian multi-role helicopter (IMRH) and the deck-based multi-role helicopter (DBMRH), both of which are under development by HAL.

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The name 'Aravalli,' inspired by the ancient mountain range in India, reflects the country's aspirations for self-reliance (Aatmanirbharta) in critical engine technologies. The contract has been formalized by S Anbuvelan, CEO of HAL's Helicopter Complex; Olivier Savin, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive VP of Sales & Marketing at Safran Helicopter Engines and SK Mehta, Director of SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Director (Finance) of HAL.

CB Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director (Additional Charge) of HAL, remarked, "This partnership with SAFHAL represents a significant milestone in our journey toward technological self-reliance in India's aerospace and defence sector. The collaboration will not only bolster the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also advance the broader goal of indigenously developing critical defense technologies."

Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, echoed these sentiments, stating, "We are extremely proud to collaborate with HAL on this strategic project, building on 25 years of successful partnership between Safran and HAL. Our combined expertise and resources will ensure the success of the IMRH and DBMRH programs while contributing to the growth of India's aerospace and defense sector."

SAFHAL, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and HAL, is dedicated to enhancing India's capabilities in helicopter engine technology. This new contract focuses on leveraging cutting-edge engine technologies to ensure superior performance, reliability, and operational efficiency. The collaboration will incorporate advanced design, manufacturing processes, and rigorous testing protocols to meet global standards.

The IMRH, a 13-ton multi-role helicopter, is designed to meet the needs of the Indian Armed Forces, while the naval variant, the 12.5-ton DBMRH, is being developed for the Indian Navy. These engines will be engineered to perform in diverse and challenging environments, with future plans extending to the civil market for offshore operations, utility tasks, and VVIP transport, alongside maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) activities.

This partnership marks the latest chapter in the long-standing relationship between HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines, which began with the Artouste engines in Cheetah and Chetak helicopters and continued with the Shakti engine, powering the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). The development of the 'Aravalli' engine takes this collaboration to new heights, representing a significant step forward in India's pursuit of indigenous aerospace and defense capabilities.

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