Airliners-India.com

747-237

http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hindustan-aeronautics-to-supply-indian-army-with-20-cheetals-382671/

Hindustan Aeronautics to supply Indian army with 20 Cheetals

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has signed a contract with India's ministry of defence to supply 20 Cheetal helicopters, worth rupees (Rs) 4.18 billion ($77 million).

HAL will deliver the helicopters and associated equipment over four years to the Indian army, and provide training to its pilots and technical crew, it says.

The Cheetal is a re-engined variant of the Cheetah helicopter, powered by Safran's Turbomeca TM 333-2M2 turboshaft engine. It has a range of up to 640km (346nm) with an endurance of up to 3.5h.

It can also perform multiple roles such as personnel transport, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance and aerial survey, logistic air support, rescue operations and carrying cargo under slung loads.

In addition, the state-owned airframer has an initial order for 10 of the type from the Indian air force.