All about HAL's 'Aravali' engines which will power next-gen choppers for Army, Navy

The engine is being developed for the 13-ton Medium Lift class Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) that are being designed and developed by HAL

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL) and SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd(SAFHAL) have signed an airframer contract, to commence joint design, development, manufacture, supply and support of a new generation of high power engine'Aravali' for the 13-ton Medium Lift class, Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH), being designed and developed by HAL.

Types of engines used in helicopters in India

Safran Helicopter Engines has been HAL's partner of choice for powering its helicopters, starting with the Artouste engines used in Cheetah and Chetak, followed by Shakti engine and its variants powering the ALH, LCH and LUH.

Aravalli Engine: All you need to know

The name ‘Aravalli’, derived from the mighty mountain range of India, symbolises the aspirations of the country in achieving "aatmanirbharta" (self-reliance) in critical engine technologies, HAL said in a release. "This partnership with SAFHAL marks a pivotal moment in our journey towards achieving technological self-reliance in India's aerospace and defence sector. The collaboration will not only ensure the operational capabilities of the IMRH and DBMRH platforms but also contribute to the broader goal of indigenous development of critical defence technologies," HAL Chairman and Managing Director C B Ananthakrishnan said.

Under this strategic contract, SAFHAL will work with its parent companies on cutting-edge engine technologies, ensuring superior performance, reliability and operational efficiency. This collaboration involves state-of-the-art design, advanced manufacturing processes and rigorous testing protocols to meet the highest global standards, the release said. IMRH is a new 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed by HAL to meet the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. A naval version, the 12.5-ton DBMRH, is also being developed for the Indian Navy, the company said.

The engines will be designed to operate in the diverse and challenging environments in which these helicopters get deployed, it said, adding that future extension to the civil market for offshore operations, utility, VVIP transport etc, is also planned followed by MRO activities.

IMRH and DBMRH choppers: All you need to know

IMRH is a new 13-ton multi-role helicopter designed by HAL to meet the requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. A naval version, the 12.5-ton DBMRH is also being developed for the Indian Navy. The engines will be designed to operate in diverse and challenging environments where these helicopters are deployed. A future extension to the civil market for offshore operations, utility, VVIP transport etc., is also planned followed by MRO activities

The Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) of 13-ton class to meet the requirement of IAF & Indian Army. Similarly, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH) of 12.5 ton class is being developed for Indian Navy and will feature blade folding for ship-deck operations. The preliminary design of the IMRH is nearly completed and the configuration studies for the DBMRH are progressing towards completion.

Cedric Goubet, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines said, "We are extremely proud to collaborate with HAL on this strategic project, capitalising on 25 years of successful partnership between Safran and HAL. With this project, we are enriching the collaboration with HAL as well as the strategic relationship between India and France." "Our combined expertise and resources will ensure the success of the IMRH and DBMRH programs, while contributing to the growth of India's aerospace and defence sector," he said.