Eurocopter and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) are in the process of signing a contract to extend the 50-year partnership between the two companies.
The industrial co-operation started in 1962, with two agreements which enabled HAL to manufacture more than 600 helicopters based on the Alouette 3 and Lama, more popularly known in India as the Cheetah and Chetak.
In 1984, Eurocopter provided support to HAL to develop its Advanced Light Helicopter, a five-tonne, twin-engine transport helicopter.
In 2005, the two companies partnered for the manufacturing of composite assemblies. HAL manufactures 100 shipsets of these assemblies a year for the Eurocopter AS550 and AS350 helicopters, and contributes to Eurocopter's global supply chain.
Source: Flight International
