HAL and Safran sign final contract for Aravalli helicopter engine

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed the final contract with their joint venture Safhal Helicopter Engines Pvt Ltd to design, develop, manufacture, supply and support a new high-power helicopter engine named Aravalli. The engine, in the 3,500-4,000 shaft horsepower class, will power India's proposed 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH). The Times of India reports the agreement was signed by HAL's director Ajay Kumar Shrivastava and Safran's Olivier Savin.

The Hindu Business Line adds that the engine will be jointly developed on a 50:50 basis and manufactured by Safhal at Tumakuru, Karnataka. HAL stated the programme marks a transition from licensed production to joint development, giving India access to core engine technologies including the high-pressure compressor and power turbine. The design and development of the Aravalli engine is expected to be completed by 2032-33, pending approval of Acceptance of Necessity and Cabinet Committee on Security for the helicopter programmes.

HAL CMD Ravi K said the contract is a significant step for self-reliance in aero-engine technologies. Safran Helicopter Engines chief executive Cedric Goubet called it the first time Safran has taken up such an engine class as co-development. Beyond military use, the engine could also serve civil aviation, offshore transport and VVIP travel, and support MRO capability development in India.