HAL and Safran sign contract to develop Aravalli helicopter engine

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Safran Helicopter Engines have signed a contract to design, develop, and manufacture the ‘Aravalli’ helicopter engine through their 50:50 joint venture, SAFHAL Helicopter Engines Pvt. Ltd. The new-generation turboshaft engine will fall within the 3,500 to 4,000 shaft horsepower (shp) class.

The Aravalli engine is intended to power HAL’s upcoming 13-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) and its naval variant, the Deck-Based Multi-Role Helicopter (DBMRH). The project aims to transition India from licensed production to indigenous co-development of high-power propulsion technology.

Production is planned for HAL’s facility in Tumakuru, Karnataka. The program is expected to provide Indian engineers with expertise in critical areas such as high-pressure compressors, power turbines, and fuel systems, with the design and development phase targeted for completion by 2032-33.