HAL, Safran sign final contract to develop Aravalli helicopter engine for IMRH, DBMRH

New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a final contract with their joint venture, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd., for the design, development, manufacture, supply and lifecycle support of a new-generation 3,500-4,000 shp helicopter engine named Aravalli.

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According to an official statement, the engine has been selected to power HAL’s upcoming 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).

The contract has been signed by HAL Director (Engineering, Research & Development) Ajay Kumar Shrivastava and SAFHAL Director and Safran Helicopter Engines Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing Olivier Savin. The signing ceremony was attended by HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K and Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cédric Goubet.

The Aravalli programme is aimed at strengthening India's self-reliance in critical aerospace propulsion technologies and building domestic capabilities for advanced helicopter programmes. SAFHAL will combine the engineering, manufacturing and technological expertise of HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines for the development of the powerplant.

The programme will cover advanced engine design, manufacturing, testing and lifecycle support, with the partners targeting high standards of performance, reliability, maintainability and operational effectiveness.

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According to HAL, the engine programme is expected to contribute to the development of a stronger domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem and support the operational requirements of the IMRH and DBMRH. The engine could also have potential applications in future civil markets, including offshore transportation, utility operations and VVIP transport.

The programme is also expected to support the expansion of indigenous Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities in India. Safran has highlighted its continued investments in manufacturing, engineering, research and development and MRO capabilities in the country as part of its long-term commitment to the Indian aerospace sector.

The Aravalli programme builds on the longstanding partnership between HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines. Their cooperation began with Artouste engines used in Cheetah and Chetak helicopters and subsequently expanded to the Shakti engine family, which powers HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).

The latest programme takes the partnership into joint design and development of a high-power turboshaft engine for medium-lift rotorcraft, with the potential to serve both Indian and global markets.

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