Asia's largest helicopter manufacturing unit inaugurated

Tags: Defence National News

The helicopter manufacturing unit of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Tumkuru, Karnataka has been dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

An overview of the news

• It is the largest helicopter manufacturing facility in Asia.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stone of this manufacturing unit in the year 2016 with an aim to promote the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat'.

• Initially, the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) will be produced in this helicopter factory.

• The factory would later be expanded to manufacture Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Indian Multirole Helicopter (IMRH) as well as repair LCH, LUH, civil ALH and IMRH.

• This helicopter manufacturing unit is spread over 615 acres, which is by far the largest helicopter manufacturing unit in India.

• This manufacturing unit will manufacture 30 helicopters per year, which will be increased to 90 helicopters per year in a phased manner.

• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited plans to manufacture over 1,000 helicopters in the 3-15 tonne range with a total turnover of over Rs 4 lakh crore in 20 years.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

• It was established as Hindustan Aircraft Limited in 1940 by Walchand Hirachand in Bangalore (now Bengaluru), Karnataka.

• The name was changed to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited on 1 October 1964 after it was merged with Aeronautics India Limited by the Government of India.

• Its core business is to design, develop, manufacture, repair and overhaul aircraft, helicopters, engines and related systems such as avionics, instruments and accessories.

• It comes under the Ministry of Defence.

• Headquarters: Bengaluru