HAL unveils new multirole helicopter at Aero India 2017

Feb. 15 (UPI) -- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited showcased a full-scale mock-up of its Indian Multi Role Helicopter during the Aero India 2017 conference in Bengaluru.

The new rotorcraft was presented by Indian Defense Minister Manohar Parrikar in the presence of Goa Chief Minister Laxmikant Paresekar and several other government and security industry representatives.

The aircraft is being developed to perform various military roles, including tactical troop transport, casualty evacuation, combat search-and-rescue, offshore missions, and anti-surface operations.

HAL says it plans to develop 12 ton-class Indian Multi Role Helicopters, or IMRHs, with a 20,000-foot service ceiling, a 24-person seating capacity and a 7,700-pound payload capacity.

The helicopter is also planned to be powered by twin engines, and feature an automatic flight control system with digital avionics displays. The company will also develop a naval variant of the helicopter.