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Indian Navy, Coast Guard get five upgraded Mk III helicopters for maritime security

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday delivered the three helicopters to the Indian Navy and two to the Coast Guard during the ongoing Aero India show in Bengaluru. 



Indian Navy and Coast Guard received upgraded advanced light helicopters (ALH) -- the Mark III versions -- meant for costal security on Friday.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) delivered the three helicopters to the Navy and two to the Coast Guard during the ongoing Aero India show in Bengaluru.

Out of 16 Mk-III helicopters, these are the first five of the upgraded Mark III.

“HAL today handed over three Advanced Light Helicopter [ALH Mk III] to Indian Navy and two ALHs to Indian Coast Guard as part of its 16 ALHs contract at the ongoing Aero India 2021,” a statement from HAL said.

These are fully loaded multi-mission helicopters fitted with an array of advanced sensors.

This will enhance Navy and Coast guard’s capabilities for maritime security and surveillance to prevent 26/11-like terror attacks.

Features of ALH Mk III

The helicopter features a full glass cockpit with HAL’s Integrated Architecture Display System (IADS), more powerful “Shakti” (Safran Ardiden 1H1) engines and a host of new systems.

The order for 16 Mk-III was placed looking at replacing the ageing and depleting fleet of Chetaks.

These helicopters have the latest-generation avionics.

“The contract involves integration of 19 major systems with the existing ALH MK III [SSDVR], Automatic Identification System [AIS], High Intensity Search Light [HISL], Pressure Refueling System, Control grips, EO POD Rev III, Surveillance Radar System and 12.7 mm Gun system,” HAL said

The aircraft has a nose-mounted surveillance radar with 270-degree coverage that can detect and track multiple marine targets.

It also has a synthetic-aperture radar, inverse synthetic-aperture radar, and moving target indication classification functions.

The helicopters were handed over by R Madhavan, Chairman, HAL to Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Naval Staff and K Natarajan, DG, Coast Guard in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

“The remaining helicopters from the contract are under various stages of production, flight tests and we plan to deliver all the helicopters within the contract delivery schedules despite production slowdown due to Covid restrictions.” said Madhavan.

ALH has clogged close to 3,00,000 cumulative flight hours and has proven its mettle in versatile operations.

The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) made by HAL also received the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for the Indian Army

The LUH is a 3-ton class new generation single-engine helicopter indigenously designed and developed by Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre of HAL with features suitable for operations in the diverse operating conditions unique to India. The LUH will replace the ageing fleet of Cheetah/Chetak helicopters operated by the services.

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