Bengaluru: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd has delivered a Chetak helicopter ahead of schedule to Indian Navy. The documents were handed over by S. Anbuvelan, General Manager of Helicopter Division (HAL) to Commodore Vikram Menon, at an event held here on Wednesday.
HAL entered into a contract with the Indian Navy in August 2017 for supply of eight Chetak helicopters with the delivery schedule of first two in August 2019 and rest in August 2020.
HAL CMD R. Madhavan said these helicopters are fitted with latest communication and navigation systems developed by HAL and the company is committed to provide continuous support to the Chetak fleet.
Commodore Menon said, “It is an honour to accept the first production helicopter one month ahead of schedule. We are aware of the vital role played by Chetak helicopters in Indian Naval aviation for the past five decades. HAL and Indian Navy have shared a long fruitful relationship. We appreciate HAL’s commitment and look for continued support.”
G.V.S. Bhaskar, CEO-Helicopter Complex said, “HAL has successfully restarted the Chetak helicopter production line after incorporating latest technologies. We are committed to deliver the remaining seven helicopters as per the delivery schedule,” he added.
HAL has been producing the Chetak helicopters for last five decades under licence from Eurocopter, France (now Airbus Helicopters) and the first Chetak helicopter to the Indian Navy was delivered way back in February 1966.
HAL has so far produced more than 350 Chetak helicopters and delivered around 80 to the Indian Navy. Currently 51 helicopters are flying with Navy.
