India's HAL to hand over military helicopter to Namibia

The handing over ceremony of Cheetah helicopter to Namibian Air Force, handing over first five Advance Light Helicopter-Dhruv (Mk III, powered by Shakthi engines) of 159 ALH programme to the Indian Army, the mock up of Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) will mark Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)'s presence at the Aero India 2011. "This Aero India, we will showcase our future products and technologies, our designing capabilities and the excellency we have achieved in manufacturing. We would also use this platform to explore more business opportunities with other countries," said Chairman, HAL, Mr Ashok Nayak. The company is all set to hand over a Cheetah helicopter to Namibia. Mr Ashok Nayak will hand over the helicopter at a function at the HAL stall at Hall E on February 09, 2011 at 2.30 pm, to a senior-level delegation from Ministry of Defence, Namibia in the presence of senior officials from Ministry of Defence, from the armed services and Managing Directors and Directors of HAL. Meanwhile, Mr Ashok Nayak will also hand over the first five Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs)-Dhruv (Mk III, powered with Shakti engine) of the 159 ALH programme to Army Aviation, Indian Army. Additional Director General, Army Aviation, Maj Gen P.K Bharali will accept the helicopters on behalf of the Army. The ALH handing over ceremony will take place at a formal ceremony at HAL Stall, Hall E on February 10, 2011 AT 12.00 noon. Painted red and white, the mock up of LUH will showcase the state-of-the art design features of LUH. The LUH is a new generation helicopter in the three ton weight being designed by HAL to serve both military and the civil operation requirements. The chopper is powered by a single turbo shaft engine with adequate power to accomplish high altitude missions with ease. The features of LUH include-four bladed composite main rotor system, main rotor blade folding for compact storage and transportation, four bladed tail rotor system, single engine with dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) with additional Engine Backup Control (EBC), Night Flying Capability and many others.