HAL Plans first flight of Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) this month

[Abingdonboy]

quick question why are you buying the k-226 instead of this?

Political decsion to keep the Russians happy and notice the deal has still not been signed. For the IAF and IA there is a requirement for 600 LUH, as of now the HAL LUH has 200 orders and 197 Ka-226T2s will be ordered with another 200 units going to whichever type performs better. As it stands I wouldn't be surprised to see 400 units or the full 600 going to HAL for their LUH. The Ka-226T2 deal is going nowhere, the Russians just can't seem to operate under the new Indian DPP/MII rules.

The total demand for the HAL LUH could easily touch >1000 units over the next 10-15 years.

LUH will be a good addition into the coast guard and civil inventory. It will help un relatively quicker reaction time for recce and rescue operations in an emergency situation. Coast Guard versions should at least have a cannon incorporated for attack and flare & chaff dispensers, and ECM for self defence .

The ICG need a twin engine LUH for operating over the water and all they need is a door mount for a crew operated MG, they don't need a a canon or anything like that. interestingly, the ICG are said to be evauluating the Rudea (ALH MK.IV).