The HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a 3-tonne-class, single-engine, multirole light helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, designed to replace the Indian armed forces’ ageing fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters — 1960s-era designs derived from the French Alouette III/II — in reconnaissance, liaison, casualty-evacuation and high-altitude utility roles.[1]
LUH is powered by the HAL-Turbomeca Shakti-1U turboshaft engine, with a maximum take-off weight of 3,150 kg, cruise speed of 235 km/h, range of 350 km, and service ceiling of about 6,500 m (21,000 ft), enabling operation in the world’s highest and most demanding operating environments. It can carry six soldiers plus a crew of two, and features a modern glass cockpit with multi-function LCD displays, autopilot, and a helmet-mounted display system for the crew.[1][2]
The LUH programme received government approval in 2009, with the first prototype flying in September 2016. Extensive trials followed, including successful high-altitude testing in Ladakh, with landings demonstrated at forward posts such as Amar and Sonam on the Siachen Glacier in 2020, validating the type’s suitability for India’s most extreme operational environments.[1]
The Indian Army is advancing procurement of 126 LUH helicopters from HAL to modernise its Army Aviation Corps, specifically targeting replacement of the Cheetah/Chetak fleet for high-altitude operations around Siachen and Eastern Ladakh, with additional orders expected from the Indian Air Force.[3][1]
| Type | Light utility helicopter |
| Manufacturer | Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |
| Engine | HAL-Turbomeca Shakti-1U turboshaft |
| MTOW | 3,150 kg |
| Cruise speed | 235 km/h |
| Range | 350 km |
| Service ceiling | ~6,500 m |
| Capacity | 6 troops + 2 crew |
| Replaces | Cheetah, Chetak helicopters |
| Planned procurement | 126 (Indian Army) |