HAL and Safran's computer rendering of the IMRH. The IMRH programme aims to produce a replacement for India's Mil Mi-17 transport helicopter. (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited)
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced it has signed a contract to develop and produce a new powerplant for its Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) programme.
According to HAL, it signed an “airframer contract” with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd. SAFHAL is an HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines SAS joint venture formalised in November 2023 to design, develop, produce, sell, and support the new engine, according to HAL.
The contract covers the commencement of the “joint design, development, manufacture, supply, and support of a new-generation high-power engine” for the 13- to 14-tonne IMRH and its planned naval counterpart, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), HAL said in a statement on 30 August.
The new contract follows a July 2022 memorandum of understanding (MOU) that both companies signed to co-develop the new engine for the IMRH. HAL has now named the new powerplant Aravalli.
Under the conditions of the contract, SAFHAL will work with its parent companies on engine technologies to ensure the development of a powerplant with the required “performance, reliability, and operational efficiency”, HAL said.
Janes earlier reported that HAL expects development of the engine to take at least 48 months following the signing of the contract and that project completion is likely to require 60 months. HAL also previously told Janes that the new engine could be based on Safran's Aneto engine family. The Aneto engine family is designed for medium and heavy helicopters and can deliver take-off power ranging from 2,500 to 3,000 shp.
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