State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday signed an airframer contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) to begin the joint design, development, manufacture, supply and support of a new generation high power engine ‘Aravalli’ for two helicopters which it is designing and developing. Aravalli will be powering the 13-ton Medium Lift class Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH). SAFHAL is a joint venture between Safran Helicopter Engines SAS and HAL and is tasked with the design, development, production, sales and support of new generation helicopter engines in India. A statement from HAL said that under this strategic contract, SAFHAL will work with its parent companies on cutting-edge engine technologies, ensuring superior performance, reliability, and operational efficiency. “This collaboration involves state-of-the-art design, advanced manufacturing processes and rigorous testing protocols to meet the highest global standards,” it said. IMRH—the indigenous medium lift helicopter which is likely to be ready in the next eight to 10 years will replace the Russian Mi-17s which will start getting phased out by 2028. Its naval version-the 12.5-ton DBMRH is also being developed by HAL for the Indian Navy. As per HAL, the engines will be designed to operate in diverse and challenging environments in which these helicopters get deployed. “Future extension to the civil market for offshore operations, utility, VVIP transport etc., is also planned followed by MRO activities,” it said. In a statement, HAL said the name ‘Aravalli’ has been derived from the mighty mountain range of India, symbolises the aspirations of the country in achieving Atmanirbharta in critical engine technologies. It quoted HAL chairman C B Ananthakrishnan as stating that the collaboration will not only ensure operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms, but also contribute to the broader goal of indigenous development of critical defence technologies. Cedric GOUBET, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines said, " With this project, we are enriching the collaboration with HAL as well as the strategic relationship between India and France.” “Our combined expertise and resources will ensure the success of the IMRH and DBMRH programs, while contributing to the growth of India's aerospace and defence sector,” he added. The HAL statement said that Safran Helicopter Engines has been its partner of choice for powering its helicopters, starting with the Artouste engines used in Cheetah and Chetak, followed by Shakti engine and its variants powering the ALH, LCH and LUH. In a joint statement issued in July last year, India and France had said they will support industrial cooperation for motorization of heavy-lift helicopters under the IMRH programme with the French Safran Helicopter Engine, which had earlier signed a Shareholders’ Agreement with HAL for engine development. The contract was signed by S Anbuvelan, CEO (Helicopter Complex), HAL and Olivier SAVIN, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and EVP, Sales & Marketing, Safran Helicopter Engines and S K Mehta, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Director (Finance), HAL.
