Maiden Flight Of Indian Light Utility Helicopter In December

HAL's Light Utility Helicopter
Indian state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) will conduct the maiden flight of the under development Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) in December.
“Efforts are on to have the first flight in December,” an unnamed defence official was quoted as saying by the Hindu news daily Friday.
The 3.1 tonne single engine helicopter is powered by the Shakti engine which powers the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) as well as the LCH and is intended to replace the ageing Cheetahs and Chetaks with the three services.

As per plan, HAL intends to build four prototypes by 2017 and start production by 2018. The Army and Air Force together have committed to purchase 187 LUHs.