HAL Selects SAFHAL to Develop and Produce ‘Aravalli’ Engines

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. (SAFHAL) have signed an airframer contract, to commence joint design, development, manufacture, supply and support of a new generation high power engine named ‘Aravalli’ for the 13-ton Medium Lift class, Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), being designed & developed by HAL. The name ‘Aravalli’ derived from the mighty mountain range of India, symbolises the aspirations of the country in achieving Aatmanirbharta in critical engine technologies. The contract was signed by S Anbuvelan, CEO (Helicopter Complex), HAL and Mr. 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.

C B Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Managing Director (Addl. Charge), HAL stated, "This partnership with SAFHAL marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards achieving technological self-reliance in India's aerospace & defence sector. The collaboration will not only ensure the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also contribute to the broader goal of indigenous development of critical defence technologies."

Safran Helicopter Engines has been HAL’s 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. The present collaboration elevates this time-tested relationship to the next level through the joint design and development of modern state-of-the-art helicopter engines intended for application in Medium Lift Helicopters.