Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to dedicate to the nation the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) helicopter factory in Tumakuru, Karnataka on February 6.
The factory, spread across 615 acres of land, is planned with vision to become a one-stop solution for all helicopter requirements of the country, said the Ministry of Defence.
It is India’s largest helicopter manufacturing facility and will initially produce Light Utility Helicopters (LUH). The LUH is an indigenously designed and developed 3-ton class, single-engine multipurpose utility helicopter with unique features of high manoeuvrability.
Initially, this factory will produce around 30 helicopters per year and can be enhanced to 60 and then 90 per year in a phased manner. The first LUH has been flight tested and is ready for unveiling, confirmed the defence ministry.
It will be augmented to produce helicopters like Light Combat Helicopters and Indian Multirole Helicopters. It will also be used for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul of LCH, LUH, Civil Advanced Light Helicopter& IMRH. Potential exports of civil LUH will also be catered to.
The ministry further added, “The HAL plans to produce more than 1,000 helicopters in the range of 3-15 tonnes, with a total business of over Rs 4 lakh crores over a period of 20 years.”
Besides generating direct and indirect employment, Tumakuru facility will boost the development of surrounding areas through its CSR activities with large-scale community-centric programmes on which the company will spend substantial amounts.
