HINDUSTAN AERONAUTICS LIMITED | UPSC Current Affairs

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Context: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Helicopter Factory at Tumakuru in Karnataka.

Details:

The factory is India’s largest helicopter manufacturing facility and will initially produce LUHs.

About LUH:

The LUH is an indigenously designed and developed three-ton class, single engine multipurpose utility helicopter with unique features of high manoeuvrability.
Initially, this factory will produce around 30 helicopters per year and can be enhanced to 60 and then 90 per year in a phased manner.

About HAL Helicopter Factory:

The Greenfield Helicopter Factory, spread across 615 acres of land, is planned with a vision to become a one-stop solution for all helicopter requirements of the country.
After initially producing LUHs, the factory will be augmented to produce other helicopters such as Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) and Indian Multirole Helicopters (IMRHs).
It will also be used for Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul of LCH, LUH, Civil Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and IMRH in the future. Potential exports of civil LUH will also be catered to from this factory.
The HAL plans to produce more than 1,000 helicopters in the range of 3-15 tonnes, with a total business of over Rs four lakh crores over a period of 20 years.

About HAL:

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is an Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company, headquartered in Bangalore, India.
Established on 23 December 1940, HAL is one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defence manufacturers in the world today.
HAL began aircraft manufacturing as early as 1942 with licensed production of Harlow PC-5, Curtiss P-36 Hawk and Vultee A-31 Vengeance for the Indian Air Force.
HAL currently has 11 dedicated Research and development (R&D) centers and 21 manufacturing divisions under 4 production units spread across India.
HAL is managed by a Board of Directors appointed by the President of India through the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
HAL is currently involved in designing and manufacturing of fighter jets, helicopters, jet engine and marine gas turbine engine, avionics, software development, spares supply, overhauling and upgrading of Indian military aircraft
The HAL HF-24 Marut fighter-bomber was the first indigenous fighter aircraft made in India.

History:

HAL was established as Hindustan Aircraft Limited in Bangalore on 23 December 1940 by Walchand Hirachand in association with the then Kingdom of Mysore.
Walchand Hirachand became chairman of the company.
The Indian Government bought a one-third stake in the company and by April 1941
After India gained independence in 1947, the management of the company was passed over to the Government of India.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) was formed on 1 October 1964 when Hindustan Aircraft Limited joined the consortium formed in June by the IAF Aircraft Manufacturing Depot, Kanpur

Links to important aircrafts and helicopters:

Aircrafts:

Helicopters:

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1896758