Indian state owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd launched design and development of a new indigenous turboshaft engine to power helicopters....
Indian state owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd launched design and development of a new indigenous turboshaft engine to power helicopters.
Dubbed the Hindustan Turbo Shaft Engine (HTSE-1200), the engine will end HAL's reliance on the French Turbomeca Ardiden engines for its helicopters. The engine will develop a power of 1200 kW at sea level and could operate up to an altitude of 7 km.
In single engine configuration, the HTSE-1200 can power helicopters in the 3.5 ton class like the Light Utility Helicopter being developed by HAL.
In twin engine configuration, the HTSE-1200 can power 5 to 8 ton class helicopters like the HAL Dhruv multi-role helicopter and the HAL Light Combat Helicopter.
The development will leverage HAL's experience gained through co-production of the Turbomeca Ardiden 1H1/HAL Shakti turboshaft engine in India.
The engine will enable Indian Air Force to operate from demanding high altitude regions like Siachen, with ease.
Image: Shakti engine
