The improved versions of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited manufactured Advanced Light Helicopter were tested on Thursday, according to Ashok Baweja, chairman, HAL.

Shakti, the new joint venture by Turbo-Mecca-HAL, increases the power of the chopper from 800 KW to over 1000 KW, thus making it more durable in high altitude, Baweja said.

The advanced light helicopter is more advanced and different when compared to the ALH of 2002 and hence, it could be called the Mark II version, Baweja said at a press conference in Bangalore on Thursday.

The chairman also added that they would require more time before the Shakti engine variants become operational. We need to conduct winter tests and probably by January it should be ready.

The weaponised version of the ALH, involving an investment of Rs 600 crore, will initially undergo "carriage trials" and then move on to weapons testing, he said.

The ALH gunships meant for the Indian forces have been evolved keeping in mind the specific territories where the helicopters will be utilised while the initial versions will have air to air missiles, a 20 mm turret gun that can be linked to elector optical systems and a 70 mm rocket, Baweja also said.

HAL expects a domestic market of 250 to 300 ALHs and has so far delivered 74 ALHs, largely to the services.

There is an existing order for 75 more of the helicopters and further orders are expected in about one month's time, he said.

HAL has decided to market the helicopter on its own contrary to the earlier plan to market in the international market with the help of Israel.

HAL feels that this partnership could pose a problem in selling in some countries.