HAL readies Cheetal delivery for Afghanistan air force

[Juggernautjatt]

Indian state-owned airframer Hindustan Aeronautics is to deliver three Cheetal light helicopters to Afghanistan’s air force next month.

The unarmed helicopters will be transferred via commercial cargo plane to Kabul airport, from the company’s Bengaluru-based helicopter division.

The Cheetal is a re-engined variant of the Cheetah – a license-produced version of the Aérospatiale Alouette II-based SA-315.

The Cheetal is powered by a Turbomeca TM 333 2M2 turboshaft, which generates 1,100shp (820kW). This is double the 550shp generated by the Artouste III B that originally powered the Chetak – HAL’s license-produced version of the Aérospatiale Alouette III, or SA-316.

The modern engine allows operations up to 23,000ft, with a greater payload and improved fuel efficiency. The type’s range and endurance increase to 345nm (640km) and almost 4h, respectively.

The Indian air force last year received its last Cheetal from a 10-strong order placed in 2006. The service operates the helicopter for high-altitude missions.

The Indian army placed an order for 20 of the type in February 2013, with deliveries expected to be complete by 2017.

HAL says it has manufactured more than 347 Chetak and 275 Cheetah helicopters since license production began in Bangaluru 45 years ago – more than the type’s original manufacturer.

HAL readies Cheetal delivery for Afghanistan air force - 8/27/2014 - Flight Global

 

[SrNair]

Good move

 

[Rajaraja Chola]

Start producing the Dhruv mk1 and Give AAF.

 

[hkdas]

seriously.. what is the use of Cheetal in afghan forces?? they have MD 530Fs in their air force.... if india want to help afghan why don't give them Dhruv mk2 or mk3?? even mk4 can be considered.. india can understand a country like afghanistan so we must help them as possible as we can.

 

[TimeTraveller]

Great news for both countries......

 

[AMCA]

seriously.. what is the use of Cheetal in afghan forces?? they have MD 530Fs in their air force.... if india want to help afghan why don't give them Dhruv mk2 or mk3?? even mk4 can be considered.. india can understand a country like afghanistan so we must help them as possible as we can.

There is non better in its category, which can serve in Altitudes unimaginable. HAL's version of this machine is a class above and tailor made solution for the Afghan Armed Forces on Versatile Grounds.

 

[Juggernautjatt]

seriously.. what is the use of Cheetal in afghan forces?? they have MD 530Fs in their air force.... if india want to help afghan why don't give them Dhruv mk2 or mk3?? even mk4 can be considered.. india can understand a country like afghanistan so we must help them as possible as we can.

MD 530s are incapable for operations in mountain regions of afghanistan like Hindu Kush mountain range & Pamir mountain range because these some of these mountain regions has elevation of near about 24000 ft. On the other hand service ceiling of MD 530 is just 14000 ft.
Dhruv is expensive than Cheetal and I think this might be the reason afghanistan selected cheetal over dhruv for reconnaissance missions. But for attack & transport roles Rudra & Dhruv are best for Afghanistan and India should try provide them on soft loans to Afghans.