Overview
- Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu flagged off the inaugural sortie on December 30 at HAL’s Bengaluru helicopter division.
- DGCA issued certification for indigenous manufacture of the Shakti 1H1C civil turboshaft, the regulator’s first approval for a domestically produced aero engine, developed with Safran participation.
- HAL positions the 5.5‑tonne, twin‑engine helicopter as a configurable, cost‑effective alternative to imports for roles including passenger/VIP transport, HEMS, offshore, law enforcement and SAR.
- Published specifications include a top speed of about 285 km/h, range near 630 km with reserve, endurance around 3h40m, service ceiling roughly 6,000 m, internal payload near 1,000 kg and seating for up to 14.
- HAL and officials cited growing domestic demand under UDAN, and reports indicated operator interest such as Pawan Hans planning eight units for Bombay High logistics.