BENGALURU: A prototype of India’s indigenously developed Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) had its first flight at the 11th edition of the Bengaluru air show Aero India 2017 on Tuesday.
The helicopter has been designed and developed by the Bengaluru- headquartered defence PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Officials said the flight was a big step in the Make in India programme.
The prototype was piloted by Wing Commander Unni Pillai. The helicopter, which is suited for operating in small areas, performed several manoeuvres.
The three-tonne class helicopter was part of several indigenously made aircraft that HAL showcased during a flying display in the airshow.
They included HAL's Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, HTT 40, a basic trainer aircraft.
The 11th edition of the Aero India 2017 airshow was inaugurated by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at Air Force Station Yelahanka Tuesday morning.
Nearly 600 defence manufacturers from India and abroad, such as HAL, Lockheed Martin, SAAB, BAE Systems are taking part in the five-day aerospace exposition.
A Chinese delegation is participating in Aero India 2017 for the first time.