2008 - Light Observation Helicopter (LOH)
The Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) is a 3-ton helicopter, powered by a single Shakti engine (as compared with the dual-engine Dhruv). All the core components like main rotor, tail rotor, gearbox and weaponry would be designed and manufactured by HAL, and rest of the less critical sub-systems were import from specialist manufactures in the international market. At 200 kg (440 lbs), the LOH is to have three times the Cheetah's payload at 18,000 feet above sea level at 20C, the type of operating conditions needed in north-east Kashmir where the Cheetah conducts border patrols. The LOH is to be powered by a single TM 333-2B2 engine.
Army HQ refused to examine the LCH's potential as an armed Light Observation Helicopter (LOH), preferring to separately procure single-engined LOHs of a new design of foreign origin.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) recognised HAL's growing competence in helicopter design by nominating it to design and manufacture half of the 384 light observation helicopters (LOHs) required by India's military. HAL was given until 2017 to produce 187 LOHs. Meanwhile, the military's immediate needs would be met by buying 197 LOHs from the international market. The MoD imposed a strict timeline on HAL, including - for the first time ever - a penalty for delay.
If HAL overshot the 2017 deadline, the MoD would procure more helicopters from the global manufacturer selected to supply LOHs; HAL's order would correspondingly reduce. HAL was confident it would produce the LOH two years ahead of the MoD deadline, by 2015. HAL said in mid-2008 that with the LCH design complete, its in-house design center, called the Rotary Wing R&D Centre (RWRDC), was going full steam ahead on the LOH design.
HAL said in mid-2008 that with the LCH design complete, its in-house design center, called the Rotary Wing R&D Centre (RWRDC), was going full steam ahead on the LOH design.
For the LOH requirements of the Army and IAF, HAL proposed a lighter LCH-derived platform powered by a single TM333-2C2 Shakti engine that is capable of producing 1272Kw of power. The LOH would feature a roof-mounted stabilised optronic turret housing an integrated long-range observation system comprising a thermal imager, laser rangefinder and daylight TV.
The HAL LOH/LUH has the crew capacity of 2 member with the additional passengers capacity of 6 passengers. The helicopter has the empty weight of 1675kg with the maximum takeof weight 3015kg. Torque will be countered by a “Fenestron” type ducted tail rotor. All these three technologies will be applied for the first time on an Indian designed helicopter. Among other features of the LOH will be a glass cockpit, and a Health and Usage Monitoring System.
it was possible to wrap a slim, tandem-seat fuselage around the existing Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) powerplant, transmission and rotor systems for two distinct derivatives: a light combat helicopter (LCH) optimised for high-altitude warfare; and an armed aeroscout capable of operating in the plains (for operating in tandem with fast-moving mechanised and armoured formations) and over jungle terrain in support of special operations forces.
Unlike the 5 ton class Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), which had technical collaboration from Eurocopter-Germany, the 3 ton class LOH would be largely indigenous. It would differ from the ALH in having an all composite fuselage structure. While the ALH main rotor had elastomeric bearings, that of LOH would be bearingless.
As of 03 November 2012, the bottom structure assembly of the LUH ground test vehicle was complete and had been taken down from the jig. According to HAL, "LUH assembly jigs are modular and gaugeless jigs, concurrently designed along with structure design using 3D CAD. There are five assembly jigs and a coupling jig enabling modular and concurrent build- up of the structure. The jigs are built and validated using state-of-the-art CAMS-Computer Aided Measurement System (laser tracker) to establish high accuracy and stability."
By mid-2014 Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) remained a Design and Development Project by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), and it had taken some time to finalise the engine for helicopter. Acquisition of LUH did not affect the operations of Advanced Light Helicopters as these helicopters were for different purposes.
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