Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed the final contract for the Aravalli Helicopter Engine programme. The agreement covers the design, development, manufacture, supply and lifecycle support of the new-generation high-power engine.
The engine will be developed through SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd., a joint venture between HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines SAS.
Aravalli Helicopter Engine to Power Next-Generation Platforms
The Aravalli engine will be developed in the 3,500 to 4,000 shp power class. It has been selected to power HAL’s upcoming 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH).
The engine will also support the naval variant of the platform, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
The programme aims to build advanced helicopter propulsion capabilities in India and support the country’s growing aerospace manufacturing ecosystem.
HAL and Safran Strengthen Engine Development Partnership
Ajay Kumar Shrivastava, Director (Engineering, Research & Development), HAL, and Olivier Savin, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines, signed the contract.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K and Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cedric Goubet presided over the signing ceremony.
The partnership builds on the long-standing relationship between HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines.
Safran has previously supplied Artouste engines for the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. It also supplied the Shakti engine family for the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).
Aravalli Helicopter Engine Boosts Aerospace Self-Reliance
The engine is named after the Aravalli mountain range, one of the world’s oldest mountain systems.
The programme marks an important step towards greater self-reliance in critical aerospace propulsion technology. It is also the first time Safran Helicopter Engines has undertaken co-development of an engine in this power class.
The partnership is expected to strengthen India’s domestic aerospace industrial base and develop advanced engineering capabilities.
Engine Has Civil and MRO Potential
The Aravalli engine could also find applications beyond military helicopters.
Potential civil applications include offshore transportation, utility operations and VVIP transport. The programme is also expected to support the development of indigenous maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities in India.
HAL CMD Ravi K said the collaboration will create a strong foundation for powering next-generation Indian helicopter platforms. It is also expected to contribute to a stronger domestic aerospace ecosystem.
The final contract marks a significant step in the development of the Aravalli Helicopter Engine and reinforces the strategic partnership between HAL and Safran in advanced helicopter propulsion.
Source: PSU Connect
