Indian Multi Role Helicopter: Difference between revisions

|name= Indian Multi Role Helicopter

|image=  

|alt=  

|caption= <!--Image caption; if it isn't descriptive, please skip-->

|type= [[Multirole helicopter]]

|national origin= India

|manufacturer= [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]]

|design group = Rotary Wing Research and Design Center<ref>{{cite news |title=Rotary Wing |url=https://hal-india.co.in/Rotary%20Wing/M__326 |access-date=9 October 2021 |agency=Hindustan Aeronautics Limited}}</ref>

|first flight= 2025-26 (Planned)

|introduction= 2028 (expected)

|retired= <!--Date the aircraft left service. If vague or more than a few dates, skip this -->

|status= Under development

|primary user= [[Indian Armed Forces]]

|more users= <!--Limited to three in total; separate using <br> -->

|produced= <!--Years in production (eg. 1970-1999) if still in active use but no longer built -->

|number built=  

|developed from=  

|variants with their own articles= <!--Variants OF this aircraft-->

The '''Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH)''' is a medium-lift helicopter currently under development by [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL) for Indian Armed forces for [[Attack helicopter|air attack]], [[Anti-submarine warfare|antisubmarine]], [[Anti-surface warfare|antisurface]], [[Military transport helicopter|military transport]] and VIP transport roles. IMRH is aimed to replace all the current [[Mil Mi-17]] and [[Mil Mi-8]] helicopters across the Indian armed forces.

The scaled model tests of the helicopter have been ongoing as of 2021 while first flight of a full prototype is expected in 2025 or 26. The introduction into armed forces thereafter is expected in 2028 after two years of testing. A total of six prototypes are planned for trials before production.

During the late 2000s, HAL issued a formal invitation for bids from major rotorcraft manufacturers across the world to co-develop the MLH.<ref name = "12 plans 17"/> However, during July 2009, HAL reportedly cancelled its active tender for the helicopter's co-development; by this stage, both [[Eurocopter]] and [[Mil Helicopters]] had been shortlisted as potential technology and investment partners. Allegedly, HAL informed the two companies that the tender had been scrapped because of the qualitative requirements of the armed forces having substantially changed.{{cn|date=February 2017}} Speaking at a national seminar held in December 2014, HAL's chief test pilot, Wing Commander Unnikrishna Pillai, gave a talk on the design challenges posed development of medium and heavy lift helicopters in India. He said that, following on from the expertise gained in earlier projects, the Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre (RWR&DC) of HAL has become confident and is well poised to develop medium lift helicopters.<ref>[http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/hal-chief-calls-for-stepping-up-indigenous-helicopter-production-to-meet-demand/article6732835.ece "HAL chief calls for stepping up indigenous helicopter production to meet demand"]. ''The Hindu Business Line'', 28 December 2014.</ref>

In 2021, details on progress were unveiled in [[Aero India]]. The helicopter is expected to have a maximum take off weight of 13 tonnes and will have 24 to 36 crews onboard in various configurations. The helicopter will have a five bladed main rotor with a diameter of 21.2 meters and a four-blade tail rotor. MRH will have 75% domestic content but will use an imported 2000kW [[turboshaft engine]]. Payload capacity at sea level will be 4 tonnes and 1.5 tonne at a height of {{cvt|13000|ft}}. Aircraft will have pair of weapons wings which will provide four hardpoints for up to {{convert|1600|kg|lb}} of armaments. The aircraft has passed preliminary design phase on 2021 and expects approval for further development in late 2021 or early 2022. First flight is expected 4 years after development project began while the introduction is scheduled for 2028.<ref name="FG21">{{Cite news |last=Perry |first=Dominic |date=25 February 2021 |title=HAL details progress on new 13t helicopter for India |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/helicopters/hal-details-progress-on-new-13t-helicopter-for-india/142329.article |publisher=Flight Global}}</ref>

By 2021, the scale models have been undergoing trials, the flight of a full-sized prototype is expected in 2025-2026 ahead of the type's intended induction into the armed forces. The prototype programme is expected to involve six prototypes and have a total budget of {{INRConvert|10000|c|y=2021}}. A specialised version for the Indian Navy will further be developed with greater range, a higher payload capacity and furnishings for maritime operations.<ref name="ETJul21"/>

* [[Mil Mi-17]]