On display in the HAL pavillion at Aero India 2025 is this army variant of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), a model designed and built by HAL to replace the Alouette II and III derivatives (Cheetah and Chetak) in service with the Indian armed forces. This particular helicopter has non-standard comfort seats installed for VIP-use which proved an attraction for visitors to the HAL pavillion....

The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a HAL-designed and -built helicopter, aimed to replace the HAL Cheetah and HAL Chetak, license-built versions of the Alouette II and Alouette III respectively, with the Indian Army and Air Force.

The first prototype of the HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), with test serial XH0832, can be seen here on the flightline of Yelahanka during Aeroindia 2025. The type is planned to replace the HAL Cheetah and HAL Chetak, license-built versions of the Alouette II and Alouette III respectively, with the Indian Army and Air Force.

The third prototype of the HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), with test serial XH0834, can be seen here on the flightline of Yelahanka during Aeroindia 2025. The type is planned to replace the HAL Cheetah and HAL Chetak, license-built versions of the Alouette II and Alouette III respectively, with the Indian Army and Air Force.

The HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), with Indian Army serial IA5102, can be seen here on the flightline of Yelahanka during Aeroindia 2025. The type is planned to replace the HAL Cheetah and HAL Chetak, license-built versions of the Alouette II and Alouette III respectively, with the Indian Army and Air Force.

Lighting effects add to the camo pattern of this LUH on static display inside the HAL pavilion at Aero India 2025. The cabin interior appears to be a mock-up for the VIP role.

On display outside the halls at Aero India 2023. The LUH features a glass cockpit, is in the 3-ton category and powered by a single Shakti 1U turboshaft engine developed from the Safran Ardiden 1U. It has a service ceiling of 6500 m. It is intended to replace the Chetak and Cheetah helicopters in service.

Civilian version of the Light Utility Helicopter in the hands of Wg Cdr Unni Pillai, Chief Test Pilot of HAL's Rotary Wing during the flying display on the opening day of Aero India 2023. The LUH features a glass cockpit, is in the 3-ton category and powered by a single Shakti 1U turboshaft engine developed from the Safran Ardiden 1U. It has a service ceiling of 6500 metres.

Prototype Light Utility Helicopter hovering over the flight line in the morning at Aero India 2021. The LUH is intended as a replacement for the IAF and Indian Army's Chetak and Cheetah helicopters. The LUH features a glass cockpit, is in the 3-ton category and powered by a single Shakti 1U turboshaft engine developed from the Safran Ardiden 1U. It has a service ceiling of 6500 metres.

The HAL LUH is designed and developed as a replacement for Cheetah and Chetak helicopters of the Indian Armed forces. The IAF plans for over sixty helicopters while the Indian Army plans for over 120 LUHs. The Low Rate Initital Production (LRIP) 1 consists of four LUHs, two for the IAF and two for the Indian Army, all expected to be delivered by March 2023. LRIP2 consists of eight LUHs to be built between 2023 and 2024. HAL announced that they expect to build some 1100 LUHs for the civil and military market, including exports.

Flying past at Aero India 2023 with similar camo splinter patterns, these Light Utility Helicopters are slowly increasing in number. Intended to replace the Chetak and Cheetah, manufacture will get a boost after inauguration of HAL's largest Helicopter Facility in Tumkuru on 06 Feb 2023 by Prime Minister Modi. The LUH features a glass cockpit, is in the 3-ton category and powered by a single Shakti 1U turboshaft engine developed from the Safran Ardiden 1U. It has a service ceiling of 6500 m.

The HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is designed and developed as a replacement for Cheetah and Chetak helicopters of the Indian Armed forces. The IAF plans for over sixty helicopters while the Indian Army plans for over 120 LUHs. The Low Rare Initital Production (LRIP) 1 consists of four LUHs, two for the IAF and two for the Indian Army, all expected to be delivered by March 2023. LRIP2 consists of eight LUHs to be built between 2023 and 2024. HAL announced that they expect to build some 1100 LUHs for the civil and military market, including exports.

The HAL LUH is designed and developed as a replacement for Cheetah and Chetak helicopters of the Indian Armed forces. The IAF plans for over sixty helicopters while the Indian Army plans for over 120 LUHs. The Low Rate Initital Production (LRIP) 1 consists of four LUHs, two for the IAF and two for the Indian Army, all expected to be delivered by March 2023. LRIP2 consists of eight LUHs to be built between 2023 and 2024. HAL announced that they expect to build some 1100 LUHs for the civil and military market, including exports.