HAL’s LUH clears 6km altitude flight
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) has achieved a milestone of flying at an altitude of 6km in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the company announced on 10 December.
The flight was carried out under the helicopter's envelope expansion tests; flying at 6km altitude is a critical requirement towards the certification of the LUH, and the helicopter exhibited satisfactory performance and handling qualities. LUH will now undertake high altitude cold weather trials in January 2019.
The LUH is a 3t class new generation helicopter being developed to replace the ageing Cheetah and Chetak helicopters used by the Indian armed forces. The helicopter will be capable of flying at 220kmph, with a service ceiling of 6.5km and a range of 350km with 400kg payload. The helicopter can be deployed for reconnaissance, surveillance roles and as a light transport helicopter.
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