March 14, 2002

'33'

MANUFACTURING OF SOPHISTICATED HELICOPTER

    At present, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is manufacturing Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) indigenously. The helicopter features extensive use of composites and integrated dynamic system. It has been designed to cater for the diverse operational requirements of Army, Air Force and the Navy.

    Two numbers of the Limited Series Production of the utility version of ALH have been handed over to the Army. The approximate cost of the LSP version of an ALH is Rs. 25 crores for the skid version and Rs. 29 crores for the wheeled version.

    This information was given by the Defence Minister Shri George Fernandes in a written reply to Dr. Ashok Patel and Shri Padam Sen Choudhry in Lok Sabha today.