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STATE-OF-THE-ART LIGHT HELICOPTER Print E-mail

STATE-OF-THE-ART LIGHT HELICOPTER

New Delhi,, 28 October 2005

New Delhi, October 29 (INFA):  The first run of the latest engine Ardiden/Shakti for Advanced Light Helicopter, developed by Turbomeca, in cooperation with the HAL, has successfully accomplished its first run on test bench.  Developed in cooperation with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), under an industrial partnership contract, this engine combines simplicity, high level of technology, robustness and modernity. 

This new turbo-shaft engine completes Turbomeca’s range, the largest in the market. Ardiden/Shakti has been designed in response to the most demanding missions at higher altitudes and hot weather.  The Ardiden 1H Turbo-shaft engine (called Shakti in India) will first be used to power the twin-engine Dhruv helicopter developed by the HAL. 

This aircraft offers a take-off load of 5500 kg.   Its entry into service is planned for March 2007.  It will initially serve the Indian armed forces.  For this purpose, several hundreds of engines will be produced in the next 10 years. 

The first successful run on test bench is significant milestone for Turbomeca and opens the window for development and test phases, allowing the validation of the good aero-mechanical behaviour and performance of this new generation engine. 

A number of testing of its components, carried out a test rig before its first run, demonstrated the appropriateness of the technological choices.  This state will be followed by the first flight scheduled for July next year and then by CASA certification in December 2006. 

Turbomeca (SAFRAN Group) is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced over 50000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded.  With more than 2000 customers in over 140 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 14 sites, 3 subsidiaries, 25 Turbo Support Centres, 32 repair centres and 90 Field representatives and Field technicians.  The Head Office is based in Bordes, Pyrenees-Atlantiques (south-west France).  Microturbo, a subsidiary of Turbomeca, is the European leader in turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units. 

SAFRAN is an international high-technology group with four core business: aerospace propulsion, defence and security, aerospace equipment and communications.  SAFRAN has a 50 year-long presence in India.  Its engines, avionics and equipment are fitted on a large number of aircraft operated in India, both by the various Indian airlines and by the Defence Services.  

SAFRAN and the Indian industry have engaged themselves into the co-production of some high technology products, such as the Shakti engine with the HAL for the Dhruv helicopter and the Arjun MBT sophisticated fire control system with the BEL and the DRDO.  With its R&D subsidiary and joint venture with the HAL both in Bangalore, SAFRAN takes an active part in the development of the Aeronautical Indian Industry.---INFA.

DEVELOPING STRATEGY ON WEATHER FORECASTS

New Delhi, October 29 (INFA):  The National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), which is the only agency which has an end-to-end system for generating global and regional meteorological forecasts, has taken up the task of developing strategy and roadmap in bringing about the desired improvement in quality of forecasts and customize them for various sector user agencies. 

The Centre has reviewed the current status and developed a road map for providing accurate weather prediction.  The aim is to bring synergy in efforts being made by various Centres in the country engaged in related activities.  It has brought out a vision document to accelerate improvement in Numerical Weather Production (NWP), guidance for weather forecasting over the Indian monsoon region.---INFA

 

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