PICTURES: India's LUH conducts hot and high Himalayan tests
By Greg Waldron2019-09-05T12:22:14+01:00
Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has completed a series of hot and high flights in the Himalayas with its Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), conducted from 24 August to 2 September.
Leh, with an elevation of 3,300m (10,800ft), was used as the base for the work, which included sorties to helipads with elevations of 5,000m and 5,500m. Temperatures during the tests ranged from 27°C (80.6°F) to 32°C.
"These extreme weather conditions imposed flight restrictions on all other civil and military aircraft," says HAL. "[LUH] flights were unhindered as it is designed for such operations."
HAL test pilots flew the helicopters used for the trials the 1,780nm (3,000km) from HAL's Bengaluru helicopter complex to Leh over three days.
The team conducting the evaluations included representatives from India's army and air force, as well as the manufacturer.
"The LUH has complied with all the requirements of the users," says HAL. "With the completion of hot and high altitude testing, it is close to operational clearance certification."
Corrected: The previous version of this story mis-identified the LUH as the Dhruv. The Dhruv is the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).
India's LCA makes arrested landing, as twin-engined fighter planned
The Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) Light Combat Aircraft technology demonstrator has successfully performed an arrested landing on board the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya, followed by a maiden ski jump take-off.
More Helicopters
Dhaka looks to add attack helicopter capability
The Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopter is in contention for a Bangladeshi requirement. "Boeing is encouraged by recent steps taken by the Bangladesh Air Force to communicate with the U.S. Government an interest in acquiring the AH-64E Apache," says the US company. "This procurement would be a government-to-government ...
US Coast Guard MH-65 helicopter upgrades start full-rate production
Full-rate production means the US Coast Guard plans to convert 22 examples of the Eurocopter MH-65D per year into the "E" configuration
US Navy's Bell Boeing CMV-22B Osprey completes first flight
The US Navy envisions using the CMV-22 to ferry Pratt & Whitney F135 turbines to and from aircraft carriers and amphibious assault ships. The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is powered by the F135 and the service needs the ability to replace the stealth fighter's power plant while at sea.