Indian Air Force takes delivery of its first Cheetal helicopter.

India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over the first Cheetal helicopter to the IAF during at Aero India 2021 as part of the 10 contracted. 

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Cheetal helicopter (Picture source: HAL)

Cheetal is the re-engined version of the Cheetah helicopter. The project initiated during 2002 and aimed to enhance high altitude operational capabilities and maintainability as well as to provide a mid-life upgrade for safe & reliable operations.

Artouste-IIIB engine of Cheetah was replaced with the modern fuel efficient TM333–2M2 engine with FADEC for better performance. In addition, an automatic Backup Engine Control system (EBCB) is equipped with engine.

Mr R Madhavan, CMD formally handed over the document of to the CAS, Air Chief Marshall, RKS Bhadauria (Picture source: HAL)