Regulatory Filing Details

Contract Details

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a final contract with SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. for the design, development, manufacture, supply, and lifecycle support of a new-generation high-power helicopter engine named "Aravalli".

Technical Specifications

The Aravalli engine is in the 3,500 to 4,000 shp (shaft horsepower) power class and has been selected to power HAL's upcoming 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).

Signing Ceremony

The contract was signed by Mr. Ajay Kumar Shrivastava, Director, Engineering, Research & Development, HAL, and Mr. Olivier Savin, Director, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines and Executive Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Safran Helicopter Engines. The ceremony was presided by Mr. Ravi K, Chairman and Managing Director, HAL and Mr. Cedric Goubet, Chief Executive Officer, Safran Helicopter Engines.

Strategic Importance

The Aravalli engine program represents India's aspirations towards achieving greater self-reliance in critical aerospace propulsion technologies and strengthening indigenous capabilities for future-generation rotorcraft programmes. This marks the first time Safran Helicopter Engines has taken up such a class of engine as co-development.

Joint Venture Structure

SAFHAL is a joint venture between Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Safran Helicopter Engines SAS, leveraging complementary expertise and strengths of its parent companies.

Program Scope

The collaboration will encompass advanced design methodologies, state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, comprehensive testing, and robust product support, in line with the highest international aerospace standards.

Market Applications

Beyond military applications, the engine programme offers significant potential for future civil market opportunities including offshore transportation, utility missions, and VVIP transport. The programme is expected to catalyze the development of indigenous Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities in India.

Historical Context

Safran Helicopter Engines has been a trusted partner of HAL, beginning with Artouste engines powering Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, followed by the Shakti engine family which powers the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH).