The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has signed a contract with L&T Precision Engineering & Systems for the supply of six Rail-Less Helicopter Traversing Systems (RLHTS) to be installed on indigenously built Next-Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), marking a further step towards strengthening domestic defence manufacturing.
The agreement was formalised at Coast Guard Headquarters in New Delhi, in line with the Government of India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The contract was signed by the Principal Director (Air Acquisition), ICG, and a Vice President of L&T, in the presence of the Deputy Director General (Aviation).
The RLHTS is designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of ship-borne helicopter operations in challenging maritime conditions. Unlike conventional rail-based systems, the rail-less configuration enables the movement of helicopters between the flight deck and hangar without fixed deck rails. The system employs winches, cables and advanced sensors to securely guide and position the aircraft, allowing operations even in rough seas and offering greater operational flexibility.
According to L&T Precision Engineering & Systems, the RLHTS is compatible with helicopters equipped with a probe and weighing up to 12.5 tonnes, making it suitable for a wide range of maritime aviation platforms operated by the Coast Guard.
The induction of these systems is expected to significantly improve aviation capability on the Coast Guard’s next-generation OPVs, while reinforcing India’s focus on indigenous design, development and production of critical defence technologies.
