Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), a state-owned aerospace and defence major, unveiled state-of-the-art indigenous civil platforms at Wings India 2024, which concluded last week in Hyderabad. The showcased offerings included the Hindustan-228 aircraft and an upgraded version of the civil Dhruv helicopter, with the primary objective of enhancing regional connectivity through ‘Made in India’ initiatives.
During the event, HAL presented scale models of various aircraft components such as LUH (civil variant), Hindustan-228, ALH (civil variant), Line Replaceable Units (LRUs), and accessories related to civil aircraft. This demonstration underscored the company’s commitment to expanding its capabilities in the civil aviation sector.
C B Ananthakrishnan, CMD (Additional Charge) of HAL, expressed, “HAL is driving the ‘Made in India’ fixed-wing civil aircraft initiative to enhance regional connectivity in India. Leveraging our expertise in manufacturing aircraft like Do-228 and HS-748, we are extending our capabilities to civil aircraft programs, including the Regional Transport Aircraft. HAL is also actively seeking collaborations for civil Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) activities.”
The upgraded civil Dhruv helicopter, a variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter, is a 5.5-ton, twin-engine aircraft designed by HAL. Capable of performing diverse roles such as disaster management, Search and Rescue (SAR), underslung operations, Heli-tourism, VIP transport, and more, this helicopter is equipped with an Advanced Glass Cockpit and avionics. It aligns with the Indian government’s Regional Connectivity Program (RCS).
The Hindustan-228 aircraft, a multipurpose lightweight twin-turboprop developed by HAL, targets remote regional connectivity on short-haul air routes under the UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) Regional Connectivity Scheme. Configurable for roles such as Regional Airliner/Air Taxi, VIP/Executive Transport, Search and Rescue, Ambulance, Cargo and Logistics Support, Calibration of Airport Nav-aids, Geographical surveys, Aerial photography, etc., the aircraft features a fully digital Glass Cockpit, upgraded avionics, and systems. It holds Type Certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The Dornier 228, a twin-turboprop STOL utility aircraft originally designed by Dornier GmbH, also holds significance in HAL’s offerings. Acquiring a production license in 1983, HAL manufactured 125 aircraft in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. The Dornier 228 has demonstrated remarkable capability, even in challenging northeastern terrain conditions, showcasing its navigation and flying capabilities.
HAL is further taking strides by developing a civil variant of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and actively working on the LUH civil prototype, which is expected to achieve DGCA certification by December 2025.
Team BharatShakti
