Hal Floats Tender For Alh Cockpit Systems

The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) is set to create history as the first Indian aeronautics project to enter commercial production following the flotation of a Rs. 100 crore tender by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to procure cockpit display systems for 300 machines.

The reserved tender offer was sent to 17 international firms in the US, Europe and Japan by HAL last month will meet the requirements of HAL's supply to the army, navy and air force. Of the total 300 choppers' defense order, the army and air force are to get 120 and the rest will go to the navy.

The HAL has commenced work on six pre-production machines, two for each user to iron out any defects with the machine before full-scale production begins. The pre-production machines will be tested by the users themselves who will then suggest changes.

HAL has also approached the centre for military airworthiness and certification (Cemilac), the defense equivalent of the director general of civil aviation for type certification of each of the three variants. The Cemilac is expected to give its certificate by early 1999 following completion of all tests. All ALH variants are said to have completed 60 per cent of their airworthiness tests.

The HAL is expected to shortlist venders for the display systems by the year end for supplies to commence in early 1999. "Ideally, they will negotiate for a technology transfer deal whereby these systems could be made in India later on", said defence sources adding that integration of the display systems will take three to four months.

US companies too have been invited to bid but their participation is doubtful in view of the sanctions.

Earlier this year the ALH successfully completed hot and cold weather as well as sea trials. The prototype choppers were flown from their base in Bangalore to Ladakh and Rajasthan for the tests which was an endurance drive in itself, the sources said.

The ALH is facing one major hiccup though. The engine supplier for the naval version, US firm LHTEC, a joint venture between Allied Signals and Allison has been prevented from selling the engine to HAL after the sanctions. However, HAL is continuing to test the Naval prototype with the two turboshaft T-800 engines by LHTEC installed.

HAL may have a problem in sourcing the T-800 engines for the two limited series production machines.