LUH Acquisition Faces Delays due to Technical Challenges and Disagreements Over Specifications

The Indian Army and Air Force's ambitious plans to replace their aging fleet of Cheetah and Chetak helicopters with the indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) have hit a snag.

Procurement delays, attributed to a combination of technical challenges and disagreements over specifications, are expected to push back the delivery of the initial batch of LUHs by 18-24 months.

The first six Limited Series Production (LSP) LUHs, crucial for user trials and feedback, were initially slated for delivery in August 2022. However, due to a disagreement over the inclusion of an Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS), requested by the Army but not included in the original specifications, the delivery is now anticipated between December 2024 and June 2025. This additional requirement necessitates further testing and certification, contributing to the delay.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the LUH, has also encountered minor technical issues during the development of the prototypes, which are currently being addressed. Even after the LSP deliveries, obtaining user clearance from the Army, which is leading the acquisition of 250 LUHs, could take nearly a year.

The LUHs are intended for reconnaissance and light cargo missions, and their delayed induction poses a challenge for the armed forces as they grapple with the retirement of their existing light utility helicopters.

The overall procurement plan involves acquiring 400 LUHs for both the Army and Air Force. However, the delays in the LUH program might necessitate a reevaluation of the additional procurement of 200 Kamov Ka-226T helicopters.

The Ka-226T, a twin-engine helicopter offering enhanced safety features, faces its own set of challenges due to Western sanctions on Russia and the exclusion of the French engine from the Transfer of Technology (ToT) offered to HAL.

While the LUH offers a promising indigenous solution for replacing the aging helicopter fleet, the extended wait time necessitates a careful assessment of operational requirements and potential alternatives to ensure the Indian Armed Forces maintain their operational readiness.

 

[abhinav srivastava]

Import and screwdrive is the norm. Indegeneous products are given second grade treatment.

 

[kumar]

As usual, IA procurement is at the same level as of HAL professionalism. Insisting on new requirements addition at last minute should be banned.

 

[nakul1307]

MoD is sleeping. They need to streamline this by a centralized Procurement process with no option of scopecreep.

 

[Ranjeet Singh]

Better we ink deal with Russia to provide twin rotor tech make KA-226 T type LUH as well as make KA-226 T helicopters for Siachin operations !

 

[Pramkumar]

They should take the delivery first with out auto pilot once the system is certified they should go with upgrade instead of delay in procurement

 

[Akshat]

At least the writer should have checked the basics before maki ng a fake article. Certification is done by DRDO, not Army or IAF.

 

[Kam Guite]

They should take the delivery first with out auto pilot once the system is certified they should go with upgrade instead of delay in procurement

Yes, looks like user agency intentionally try to delay LUH. If they have misgivings about the sarkari product, they should say it clearly. MoD babus should not perpetually scuffle IA

 

[Kira]

Was that really in any doubt though when it comes to HAL? 🧐

 

[beencensured]

Was that really in any doubt though when it comes to HAL? 🧐

Army has changed requirements hence delay. This is also nothing new.

 

[GMR]

Nothing can happen without "delay" when HAL & IA are involved.. the level of professionalism, efficiency & accountability demonstrated every time is very sad & sickening, always a compromise of capability in national security

 

[INDIAN]

Army requested Change Automatic flight control , and the requirement was not given earlier.
Once LUH is ready and then you are giving this type of new requirement , its like you want to kill the program. They could have given this requirement in initial phases .
Indian army requirement planning and procurement process needs urgent overall.
PMO should directly intervene now. Otherwise we will sure face another 1962 like debacle in future.

 

[Sandeep]

There was always a need for a autopilot but based on what the army and Air Force have said they want to modify the specifications and improve its capabilities and safety a bit more. This isn't such a big task as they will have to update the software mainly but the main delay is trying to get it certified all over again as they have to start testing it from the beginning. As they don't have to make any structural, hardware or major technology changes it shouldn't stop them from starting to manufacture the helicopter and its other parts and equipment though.

 

[Sudha]

Import and screwdrive is the norm. Indegeneous products are given second grade treatment.

Do not believe what HAL is saying. They always I mean always blame others for their inefficiency.

 

[Sudha]

Yes, looks like user agency intentionally try to delay LUH. If they have misgivings about the sarkari product, they should say it clearly. MoD babus should not perpetually scuffle IA

WOW! HAL said & you believe that? Everyone knows the inefficieny of HAL. The only efficiency they have shown is in delaying the delivery & blaming others.

 

[Sudha]

Army requested Change Automatic flight control , and the requirement was not given earlier.
Once LUH is ready and then you are giving this type of new requirement , its like you want to kill the program. They could have given this requirement in initial phases .
Indian army requirement planning and procurement process needs urgent overall.
PMO should directly intervene now. Otherwise we will sure face another 1962 like debacle in future.

Where is the source for IA changing the criteria? AFCS is a common criteria & you believe IA later on asked for the change? Look at HAL's history of delays. Did they anytime tell it was due to their inefficiency delivery got delayed. HAL always blamed others for delays.

 

[Sudha]

Army has changed requirements hence delay. This is also nothing new.

Did the article say who said it other than HAL? It is only grapevine spread by HAL.

 

[GMR]

WOW! HAL said & you believe that? Everyone knows the inefficieny of HAL. The only efficiency they have shown is in delaying the delivery & blaming others.

Can believe as involves IA also, has old habit of adding at the last minute

 

[Shanker]

Our Military forces must learn to stop becoming greedy, especially when it comes to indigenous supply. I'm not sure why MOD is dancing to Armed Forces' whims.

If automatic flight control (AFC) is a new frill, then they must wait and keep the old machines going with some accidents as a bonus to all. It's only in India that these atrocious greedy demands are made, probably.
The better option to me will be start accepting the existing design of LUH while allowing the HAL to come up with AFC in a reasonable time!

 

[Indian arms]

Classic case of production agency and the user not having the coordination. In our country millitary too is as corrupt as civilian bureaucracy. Millitary keeps changing specifications to delay the indigenous projects and after such delays forces the government to go for imports.