Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) has supplied four indigenous Cheetal helicopters to the Indian Air force. The remaining six would be supplied over the next two to three months. The Cheetal is an upgraded version of the Cheetah helicopter with Turbomeca engine, having reduced weight and improved fuel consumption. It can be used for multiple operations including in search-and-rescue and high-altitude missions. The new helicopter also has lightweight modern cockpit instruments, like electrically driven, artificial horizon directional gyro, and lightweight modern avionics. The IAF on its part wants to replace its 200-odd Cheetah and Chetak helicopters with the new one1.

• 1. “India Gets 1st Batch of Indigenous Cheetal Helos,” July 30, 2009, at http://www.defensenews.com/story.php?i=4212539&c=AIR&s=TOP