HAL, Safran join hands to design, develop new-generation helicopter engine Aravalli

State-run defence major HAL and a private firm have joined hands to design, develop and manufacture a “new-generation” helicopter engine, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.

This is the first time that a high-power helicopter engine is being designed and developed in India, it said.

The design and development of ‘Aravalli’ engine is expected to be completed by 2032-33, the statement said.

The ‘Aravalli’ programme marks an important transition from licensed production to joint development of a high-power helicopter engine, giving India an opportunity to build deeper capabilities in critical propulsion technologies, it said

“Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines, through their 50:50 joint venture SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd., have signed a contract for the joint design, development, manufacture, supply and lifecycle support of a new-generation 3,500–4,000 shp helicopter engine, named ‘Aravalli’,” the statement said.

The programme will enable HAL to gain expertise and intellectual property in areas of engine design undertaken by HAL, while Indian engineers will work alongside Safran engineers throughout the development programme.

The ‘Aravalli’ engine will power HAL’s upcoming 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH).

IMRH and DBMRH have potential applications beyond military helicopters, including offshore transportation, utility missions and VVIP transport, opening avenues for future civil aerospace opportunities, it said.

The engine will be jointly developed by HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines on a 50:50 basis and will be manufactured by SAFHAL at Tumakuru, Karnataka.

“The programme will provide HAL access to core engine technologies including the high-pressure compressor, power turbine, fuel and oil systems components, accessory gearbox and engine external systems capabilities that are critical for developing future generations of indigenous aero-engines,” it added.

This will provide exposure to international design methodologies, testing practices and certification requirements. The knowledge and experience developed through ‘Aravalli’ can provide a foundation for future indigenous aero-engine development programmes, it said.

The programme is expected to generate benefits across the wider aerospace ecosystem. It will create opportunities for Indian industry in advanced engine manufacturing areas such as raw materials, precision machining and castings, while also supporting the development of indigenous Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities, the statement said.

The design and development of ‘the Aravalli’ engine is expected to be completed by 2032–33, “while awaiting approval of AON and CCS for IMRH and DBMRH”.

Acceptance of Necessity (AON) is the first step towards procurement.

The programme represents a significant investment in India’s long-term capability to design, develop and manufacture advanced helicopter engines, and strengthens the technological foundation for future-generation rotorcraft programmes and is expected to generate significant revenue, it said.