HAL ALH

Developed with German ( MBB / Eurocopter ) design assistance, the multirole ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter). first flew August 20, 1992; a skid-gear Army/Air Force prototype followed in May 1994 and the wheeled-gear Naval prototype in December 1995.

The first production contract, announced in 1997 for 12 aircraft (Army and Air Force four each, Navy and Coast Guard two each), with deliveries to start next year. Eventual requirements are 110, 150, and 40, respectively, to replace such elderly types as the Cheetah and Chetak (which see).

(Data for Army/Air Force version; Naval version in parentheses.)

Contractor: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, India.
Power Plant: two Turbomeca TM 333-2B turboshafts (each 1,000 shp); or LHTEC CTS 800s (each 1,300 shp).
Dimensions: rotor diameter 43 ft 3 3/4 in (both), fuselage length (incl tail rotor) 42 ft 3 3/4 in (44 ft 0 3/4 in), height 16 ft 4 in (16 ft 1 1/4 in).
Weights: empty 5,511 lb (both), gross 9,920 lb (12,125 lb).
Performance (at 8,818 lb weight, both): max speed 174 mph, max cruising speed 152 mph, ceiling 19,680 ft, range 249 miles with 1,543-lb payload, 497 miles with max fuel and 20 min reserves.
Accommodation: crew of two; 10 troops/passengers standard, or 14 maximum, or two litters and medical team, or cargo, or other personnel and equipment depending on mission.
Armament: Cabin-side pylons for ATGMs, AAMs, or rocket pods; provision for 20-mm gun in under-fuselage turret. (Naval version, pylon-mounted torpedoes or depth charges, plus slung load of mines.)