HAL's advanced light helicopters to join offshore missions of ONGC

New Delhi: In a big win for the indigenous advanced light helicopter (ALH) programme, the chopper has been chosen to undertake offshore missions for Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), beating several foreign competitors for the requirement to fly out personnel and equipment to oil rigs in the open seas.

The helicopters will be operated by Pawan Hans Limited, which will initially place an order for 10, with the total requirement expected to cross 28 in the coming years. The order will open up a new civilian market for the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) chopper that is extensively used by the armed forces, with over 340 of the machines flying all over the country - from naval ships to high altitude helipads on the northern borders.

Sources said the bid by Pawan Hans, offering ALH for offshore missions, emerged as technically compliant and the lowest priced, and has taken major foreign suppliers who dominated the market in the past by surprise.


It is learnt that defence secretary Giridhar Aramane was instrumental in making a strong case for the platform.

Work is currently on to ensure all civil certifications required for the helicopters to be operated by Pawan Hans. While the air frame is already certified, the engine for the helicopters will now be built under Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) supervision and a new glass cockpit will be offered. The civilian version is expected to be ready by the middle of next year.

While ALH is already used extensively by the Navy and Coast Guard for missions at sea, including landing and taking off from warships in rough weather, offshore missions require civil certifications and DGCA approval. HAL has already manufactured around 350 of the helicopters and is negotiating a contract for 50 additional machines for the Indian Army.

Once the certifications are in place, a large civilian market could open up for ALH, with large requirements expected from state governments, national disaster relief force and for high altitude tourism.