HAL Embraces Decentralized Production for Light Utility Helicopter, Aims for 30 Units per Year

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is revolutionizing its manufacturing process for the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) to meet the growing demand from the Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF). This new approach aims to accelerate production and bolster India's domestic aerospace manufacturing sector.

The LUH, a 3-tonne class, new-generation helicopter, is designed to replace the aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. With the Indian armed forces requiring nearly 400 LUHs, HAL is optimizing its production to reach a potential peak capacity of 30 units per year at its Tumakuru facility.

HAL's strategy involves a shift from traditional in-house manufacturing to a decentralized model. This involves outsourcing the production of modular components to Indian suppliers and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). These partners will manufacture individual modules, which will then be transported to HAL's Tumakuru facility for final assembly.

This collaborative approach offers several advantages:

• Increased Production Capacity: By focusing on final assembly, HAL can streamline its processes and potentially increase production rates to meet the urgent demand for LUHs.
• Boost to Domestic Aerospace Industry: Empowering Indian suppliers and MSMEs to participate in LUH production fosters a robust domestic aerospace ecosystem. This initiative aligns with India's "Make in India" initiative, promoting self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
• Cost and Time Efficiency: Leveraging the expertise and infrastructure of outsourcing partners can potentially reduce manufacturing costs and lead times.
• Enhanced Quality Control: While decentralizing component production, HAL retains control over the final assembly process, ensuring the quality and integrity of the finished helicopter.

To ensure precise and efficient final assembly, HAL will utilize advanced coupling jigs at its Tumakuru facility. This technology will facilitate the seamless integration of the various modules produced by its partners.

This strategic shift in production not only addresses the immediate need for LUHs but also lays the foundation for a more resilient and self-reliant Indian aerospace industry. By involving a network of domestic suppliers, HAL is contributing to the growth and development of the sector, while ensuring the Indian armed forces receive a modern and capable helicopter to fulfill their operational requirements.

 

[PKPRS]

3D ptinting is the only fastest way.

 

[SK]

This is a good news. I hope that HAL Dhruv NUH also meets all the requirements of IN as this give more orders for HAL & insure Logistical synergy b/w all the Military forces.

I hope that HAL will consider to develop an Attack version of LUH like HAL Rudra.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

3D ptinting is the only fastest way.

Assembly line optimization is needed. Subassembly should be done faster and bottlenecks removed. Should simulate assembly line to find best config to place workers and assembly route.

 

[Jagroshan singh]

So, what's the current production capacity of these LUH? I am not sure HAL even started producing these helos yet?

 

[Kira]

3D ptinting is the only fastest way.

3D printing is not available for every part as each part of such a complex machine needs sophistication and different materials and metallurgy techniques.

 

[kranthi]

So, what's the current production capacity of these LUH? I am not sure HAL even started producing these helos yet?

No production yet. Just the prototypes.

 

[GMR]

Again firing in air.. where is the agreement for procurement from IA & IAF

 

[Sandeep]

The only way to ensure success is for more private companies to manufacture modular/block parts of the helicopter and then sending them to HAL. Then HAL can quickly assemble those blocks together rather than assembling one part at a time which will take longer to assemble, requires more staff and increases the labour cost.

At the same time we need to increase the indigenous content rate in its parts, equipment and technology. We should involve the private sector a lot more and get them to manufacture any imported parts or equipment.

 

[Mango_Indian]

All "revolutions" only happen in FUTURE for HAL. No progress in the PRESENT.

LCA Mk1A - Production way behind planned production. 1st aircraft delayed till Apr 25 - two years behind schedule. Granted GE has delayed supplying engines, but are the airframes ready? If by Apr 25, GE supplies 1st batch of 10 engines, will HAL have 10 airframes fully ready to just integrate with the engines? NOPES. No "revolution" there.

LCA Trainers - 2 years behind schedule for delivery of 8 trainers. Original delivery date - 31st Mar 2023. Current delivered - 4. No "revolutions" there.

LCA Mk 2 - Only "revolution" is delay in first flight by 2 years. Further delays will be announced once promised date comes near.

LUH - Autopilot feature issues delayed induction by 2+ years. No "revolution" here.

Just to justify Tumkur factory, when HAL plants in Koraput and Nashik are idle - this press release is being made.

 

[Anant]

This is a good news. I hope that HAL Dhruv NUH also meets all the requirements of IN as this give more orders for HAL & insure Logistical synergy b/w all the Military forces.

I hope that HAL will consider to develop an Attack version of LUH like HAL Rudra.

With the Prachand, we don't need an attack variant of the LUH. Better to focus on the IMRH and a hypothetical future heavy attack helicopter.

 

[Anant]

All "revolutions" only happen in FUTURE for HAL. No progress in the PRESENT.

And you didn't even cover the massive failure also called the HJT-36 Sitara, where we managed to design an inherently unstable trainer. I mean, that kind of property is good for a fighter, but not for an intermediate trainer. Of course, over two decades after that type first flew, we are still testing the damned thing!

 

[Vikas Yadav]

HAL should joint ventures with Private players like Tata ,L&T.
400LUH demand in next 10 year is challenging task to deliver on time with current infrastructure at HAL and long pending list of IAF other aircraft.