The factory – the largest of its kind in the country – has a landing strip, hangars, an air traffic control tower, and repair and maintenance services.
Located in the city of Tumakuru, in the Indian state of Karnataka, the facility will initially manufacture 30 Light Utility Helicopters (LUHs) per year, with the number expanding to 60 and then 90 by stages.
The LUH is a three-ton multi-purpose single-engine aircraft, of Indian proprietary design and development, with unique characteristics and great maneuverability.
In the coming years, HAL’s construction plant will also be responsible for the maintenance, repair and overhaul of light combat, utility, civil and multirole helicopters.
The new factory was designed with the vision of becoming a comprehensive solution for all the country’s helicopter needs, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited plans to produce more than 1,000 helicopters between 3 and 15 tons in a 20-year period.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh and senior Defense Ministers will be present at the opening ceremony.
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