Safran’s Turbomeca engine unit announced that its engines will power two new indigenous helicopters being developed by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL).
The twin-engine HAL light combat helicopter will be powered by the Turbomeca Ardiden 1H1 engine, which received EASA certification in 2009. More than 250 Ardiden 1H1 engines have already been co-produced with HAL under the Shakti designation.
Turbomeca will also power the new HAL light utility helicopter, equipped with the Ardiden 1U engine. The Ardiden 1 family of engines develop 1,400 shp. The 1U engine already has undergone bench testing and been delivered to HAL. EASA certification is expected in 2017.