SOURCE: AFI
A captivating 3D render by Harshal Pal has recently shed light on the size disparity between two significant helicopter projects undertaken by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Armed Forces. The render showcases the LUH (Light Utility Helicopter), a single-engine, 3-ton category helicopter, alongside the upcoming IMRH (Indian Multi Role Helicopter), a 13-ton medium-class helicopter.
The LUH, a product of HAL’s design and manufacturing expertise, is already in Limited Scale production and is set to replace the aging Cheetah and Cheetal helicopters in the Indian Army and Air Force. On the other hand, the IMRH, currently under development, is intended to replace the Russian-supplied Mi-17 class of helicopters, providing a much-needed upgrade to India’s military aviation capabilities.
While the IMRH and LUH represent distinct classes of helicopters, their design philosophies share a common lineage, drawing inspiration from the ALH-Dhruv. The ALH-Dhruv, introduced in the late 1990s, marked a significant milestone in India’s helicopter manufacturing capabilities, becoming the first indigenous helicopter designed and produced by HAL.
The 3D render effectively highlights the substantial size difference between the LUH and IMRH. The IMRH, being in the medium-class category, is significantly larger and more powerful, reflecting its intended role as a versatile workhorse for the Indian Armed Forces. The LUH, on the other hand, is more compact and agile, suited for various light utility tasks.
As both the LUH and IMRH continue to progress through development and production, they are poised to play crucial roles in enhancing India’s military aviation capabilities and reducing its reliance on foreign-made helicopters. The 3D render by Harshal Pal provides a valuable visual aid in understanding the scale and scope of these important projects.