Weapons

HAL Cheetah

Origin: France (Aerospatiale Allouette II - SA 315B Lama).

Type: Light utility helicopter.

Accommodation: Two seater, side-by-side. A stretcher for CASEVAC (Casualty Evacuation) can be slung underneath.

Engine: One 650kW (870shp) Turbomeca Artouste IIIB turboshaft.

Speed: 192 km/h (115 mph; 100 kts.)

Service Ceiling: 6400 meters (20,992 ft.)
*Indian Cheetahs have deployed to 7500 meters (24,600 ft.)

Range: 260 nautical miles (500 km; 300 miles)

Comments: The HAL Cheetah helicopter units are used for observation, liaison and SAR duties. Army (and IAF) Cheetahs regularly support Indian Army troops at altitudes in excess of 24,000+ feet. The first Turbomeca TM 333-2B2-powered Cheetah was successfully test flown in January 2003, with a significant number of these helicopters likely to be fitted with this more powerful engine in order to modernise the Army Aviation Corps. At 200 kg (440 lbs), the LOH is to have three times the Cheetah's payload at 18,000 feet above sea level at 20C, the type of operating conditions needed in north-east Kashmir where the Cheetah conducts border patrols. The LOH is to be powered by a single TM 333-2B2 engine.