HAL to unveil another flying beauty

BANGALORE: After having surprised the aviation fraternity by flying the first prototype of Intermediate Jet Trainer (HJT-36) in record time this year and later storming the Paris air show at Le Bourget with the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is set to unveil another flying beauty.
To be named ''Cheetal'', this helicopter is the first cousin of ''Cheetah'' from the great Indian helicopter khandaan.
''Cheetal'', which is a re-engined version of Cheetah helicopter, is fitted with a Turbomeca (TM333-2M2) engine used in Dhruv. It has been tried on Cheetah as a pro-active initiative by HAL.
Cheetal has been successfully evaluated at Bangalore, over the sea at Chennai and at high altitude in Leh. The programme is a few months away from certification.
Impressed with the looks and performance, top Indian Air Force (IAF) and Army officials have evaluated Cheetal and the HAL is expecting an order from the IAF soon.
Apart from the state-of-the-art technology and a more reliable engine, Cheetal has an easier starting and relight procedure. She doesn''t make much noise while being airborne and her ranges and endurance are higher.
She consumes less fuel and has an increased payload at higher altitude with better rate of climb.
The Cheetal has also been upgraded with a high performance rotor system, lighter and modern cockpit instruments, avionics and health monitoring system. These give improved reliability and enhanced navigation, payload capabilities.
HAL has so far produced 266 Cheetah helicopters, which is one of the best-suited helicopters for high attitude missions.
Cheetah helicopter platform has also been used for development of a light attack helicopter (Lancer) by installation of two gun-cum-rocket pods on external pylons with the associated sighting and control systems, armour protection etc.
Besides being used by Army, some helicopters have been exported too.