Turbomeca Provides Power for New Indian Helicopters

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.