Eurocopter, HAL to strengthen industrial cooperation, links

Eurocopter, world’s leading helicopter manufacturer, and Bangalore-headquartered Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, are in the process of signing agreements to further strengthen their industrial cooperation and links. “This association will focus on increasing existing collaboration and exploring new potential business areas to serve both Indian and international markets”, Eurocopter said.

It said in a statement that the long-time partners have reiterated their commitment to take their five-decade long relationship to the next level. “HAL is fast developing into a major player in the aerospace sector. With this increasing pace of growth, HAL welcomes opportunities for joining hands with a global player like Eurocopter,” said HAL Chairman Ashok Nayak.

Since 1962, Eurocopter has partnered with HAL, through two co-operation agreements, enabling HAL to manufacture more than 600 helicopters based on the Alouette 3 and Lama, more popularly known in India as the Cheetah and Chetak, it said. India was the first nation with which Eurocopter signed a licence agreement which included technology transfer.

Since 1984, HAL had been supported by Eurocopter for developing the Advanced Light Helicopter, a five-tonne twin-engine transport helicopter. This industrial partnership was strengthened in 2005 with the manufacturing of composite assemblies.

Today, HAL is manufacturing 100 shipsets of these assemblies per year for the AS550ôAS350 helicopters, and contributes to Eurocopter global supply chain.