Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has signed a development and production contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines, its joint venture with Safran Helicopter Engines, for the design, development and production of the Aravalli 3,500–4,000 shp-class helicopter engine.
The engine is being developed to power the upcoming 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).
The contract covers the design, development, manufacture, supply, and lifecycle support of the Aravalli engine.
HAL said the programme will support the development of a domestic aerospace industrial ecosystem and provide propulsion for India’s next-generation medium-lift helicopter platforms.
HAL Chairman and Managing Director Ravi K said the programme would contribute to strengthening India’s domestic aerospace manufacturing capability and support the operational requirements of the IMRH and DBMRH.
Design and development of the Aravalli engine is scheduled to be completed by 2032–33 according to HAL.
According to HAL, the engine will be jointly developed along with Safran Helicopter Engines on a 50:50 basis and will be manufactured by SAFHAL at Tumakuru, Karnataka.
Importantly, HAL will receive access to several core engine technologies including the High Pressure Compressor, power turbine, fuel & oil systems components, accessory gearbox and external engine systems.
Safran Helicopter Engines CEO Cédric Goubet said the Aravalli programme was the first time Safran Helicopter Engines had undertaken the co-development of an engine in this power class.
He added that the programme would combine the expertise of the two companies in developing propulsion systems for future Indian rotorcraft.
Safran Helicopter Engines and HAL signed a workshare agreement in August 2023 covering the joint-development of the engine for the IMRH/DMRH. HAL was to participate in the design, development, and production of selected core engine components.
In August 2024, the airframer entered into a contract with SAFHAL to begin joint design, development, manufacture, supply, and support activities for the Aravalli engine.
The IMRH and 12.5-ton DBMRH are being developed as indigenous replacements for existing medium-lift helicopters serving with the Indian armed forces including Russian-origin Mil Mi-17 and Kamov Ka-28/31 helicopters and UK-origin Westland Sea Kings.
Some of these types are planned to be phased-out from military service from 2028-2030 onwards.
HAL is awaiting approval of the Acceptance of Necessity (AON) and clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) for the IMRH and DBMRH.
Indigenous Developments
HAL’s Aero Engine Research & Development Centre is also developing the 1200 kN thrust Hindustan Turbo Shaft Engine (HTSE) for powering light (up to 3.5 tonne) and medium helicopters (up to 6.5 tonne) in either single-engine or twin-engine configuration. Test beds have also been created for testing the HTSE1200 and the Aravalli engines.
Preferred Partnership
Safran Helicopter Engines already has a significant installed base in Indian military aviation, with more than 1,500 helicopter engines in service with the Indian armed forces.
The indigenously developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) ‘Dhruv’ was powered in its MkI and MkII variants by Turbomeca’s TM333 2B2 engines.
The TM333 2M2 was used on HAL Cheetal, which was a re-engined variant of the Cheetah (SA-315 B Lama). Cheetah and Chetak helicopters are powered by Artouste engines from Turbomeca (now Safran Helicopter Engines).
Follow-on variants of the Dhruv, the MkIII and Mark IV ‘Rudra’ helicopters were powered by the Safran’s Ardiden 1H1 ‘Shakti’, which was co-developed with HAL. These engines are particularly well-suited to demanding mission profiles flown by the army and air force which require sustained performance in hot-and-high conditions.
EASA certification Ardiden 1H1 was obtained in 2009 and the powerplant also powers the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
A single-engine version of the Ardiden 1H1, the Ardiden 1U variant powers the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and was certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation in July 2021.
The derivative of the Ardiden 1H1 designed for single-engine rotorcraft is the Ardiden 1U which powers the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). The engine was certified in 2020 and made its maiden flight in September 2016.
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