Bengaluru : Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have signed a strategic airframer contract to jointly design, develop, manufacture, supply, and support a next-generation high-power engine named ‘Aravalli.’ This engine is intended for HAL’s 13-ton Medium Lift class Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH). The name ‘Aravalli,’ inspired by India’s iconic mountain range, symbolizes the nation’s ambitions for achieving self-reliance in critical engine technologies. The contract was signed by Mr. S Anbuvelan, CEO (Helicopter Complex), HAL; Mr. Olivier Savin, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines, and EVP, Sales & Marketing, Safran Helicopter Engines; and Mr. S K Mehta, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Director (Finance), HAL, according to a press statement from HAL.
C B Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director (Addl. Charge), HAL, stated, “This partnership with SAFHAL is a landmark achievement in our pursuit of technological self-reliance in India’s aerospace and defense sector. The collaboration not only ensures the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also contributes to our broader mission of indigenous development of vital defense technologies.”
Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines, added, “We are honored to collaborate with HAL on this strategic project, building on our 25-year successful partnership. This project strengthens both our collaboration with HAL and the strategic relationship between India and France. By combining our expertise and resources, we are committed to ensuring the success of the IMRH and DBMRH programs, contributing to the growth of India’s aerospace and defense sector. Together, we remain fully dedicated to serving our customers in India, and we eagerly anticipate designing, producing, and supporting these new, efficient helicopter engines.”
SAFHAL, a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and HAL, is focused on the design, development, production, sales, and support of next-generation helicopter engines in India. This marks a significant milestone in India’s aerospace and defense sector, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to achieving self-reliance in helicopter engine technology.
Under this strategic contract, SAFHAL will collaborate with its parent companies on cutting-edge engine technologies, ensuring superior performance, reliability, and operational efficiency. The partnership will involve state-of-the-art design, advanced manufacturing processes, and rigorous testing protocols to meet the highest global standards.
The IMRH is a new 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed by HAL to meet the needs of the Indian Armed Forces. A naval version, the 12.5-ton DBMRH, is also being developed for the Indian Navy. These engines are designed to perform in diverse and challenging environments where these helicopters will be deployed. There are also future plans to extend the engines’ applications to the civil market for offshore operations, utility, VVIP transport, and more, followed by Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities.
Safran Helicopter Engines has been a long-standing partner of HAL, powering its helicopters with engines such as the Artouste, Shakti, and their variants used in the ALH, LCH, and LUH. This new collaboration elevates the relationship to a new level with the joint design and development of state-of-the-art helicopter engines for Medium Lift Helicopters.
