Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's upgraded Chetak helicopter, 'Chetan,' created a milestone when it successfully completed hot and high altitude tests in the Siachen Glacier.
"With this performance, Chetan has proved that it can conquer the Himalayan heights up to its service ceiling of 21,300 feet. Till now, the operations of the Chetak were restricted to 10,000 feet, due to a number of limitations," Bangalore-headquartered HAL said in a statement.
Piloted by Wg Cdr P S Rao and Wg Cdr S Jain, 'Chetan' underwent a series of trials from August 16 to 23 in the Siachen glacier under hostile conditions.
"We have gone for a trial validation and 'Chetan' had never operated there before. The tests were conducted well within the existing envelope of the original helicopter (Chetak)," the pilots, who just came back to Bangalore, said.
Though the armed forces operate the Cheetah for high altitude oprations, 'Chetan' provides "certain significant benefits" over the Cheetah, due to its larger cabin volume, according to HAL.
The recent tests by HAL have proven that 'Chetan' can comfortably carry a playload of up to 100 kg at an altitude of 21,000 feet and at temperatures up to International Standard Atmosphere - ISA plus 15 degrees Centigrade, it stated.
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The 'Chetan' project was commenced by HAL in January this year after the success of re-engining of the Cheetah helicopter (now Cheetal).
The project was taken up as an in-house effort by HAL, mainly to fulfil the vacuum that existed as far as casualty evacuation at high altitude was concerned.
The project was moved on a fast track and all the required modifications and flight tests have been completed.
The helicopter is now ready to go for production and upgradation as required by its operator, it said.
