HAL Chetak
The HAL Chetak is an Indian version of the Alouette III built under a licensing arrangement between Aérospatiale and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Since production began, over 300 Chetak helicopters have been built. The majority of these were acquired for military purposes with the Indian Armed Forces, who have used them to perform various mission roles, including training, transport, CASEVAC (casualty evacuation), communications and liaison roles.
During 1986, the Indian Government constituted the Army Aviation Corps; consequently, the majority of Chetaks previously operated by AOP Squadrons were transferred from the Indian Air Force to the Indian Army on November 1st 1986. The Air Force has continued to fly a force of armed Chetaks in the anti-tank role as well as for CASEVAC missions and general duties. During the 2010s, the Chetak is being gradually replaced by the newer HAL Dhruv in the armed forces. An option to re-engine the HAL Chetak with the Turbomeca TM 333-2B engine, which would better facilitate high-altitude operations in the Himalayas was considered, but ultimately not pursued.
In addition to producing the type for Indian customers, HAL has also achieved some export sales of Chetak helicopters to several nations, including Namibia and Suriname. India has also opted to donate several secondhand Chetak helicopters to other countries, such as neighboring Nepal.
Users[edit | edit source]
- India
- Indian Air Force
- Indian Army
- Indian Coast Guard
- Indian Navy
- Namibia
- Namibian Air Force
- Nepal
- Nepalese Army Air Service
- Suriname
- Suriname Air Force
