BY : MANOJ K DAS For Newindpress

Indian indigenous dreams are revving up once again. After the success of the advanced light helicopter (ALH), the country has decided to design and produce its own light observation helicopter.

The decision to manufacture an indigenous light helicopter was taken after the Ministry of Defence shelved the deal with the Eurocopter, citing squiggles in formalities.

Though efforts are on to revive the deal, the triservices are in urgent need of a light observation helicopter (LOH) to carry on their daily chorus of activities, including high -altitude operations in theatres like the Siachen glacier.

The new LOH will be in the 3.5-tonne class. Its being conceived as a replacement for the ageing fleet of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters, the workhorses of the Army, Air Force and Navy.

Top sources in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) told this website's newspaper that the LOH will be a total Indian concept unlike the ALH.We availed the services of Messerschmitt-Blkow-Blohm as a consultant during the development of the ALH.

But in the case of the LOH, were planning to go ahead all alone. It will truly be an Indian helicopter,HAL sources said. The LOH will look very different from the conventional helicopter.

We have gained quite some experience from Chetaks and Cheetahs. The LOH design will address all issues discerned from the operation of the current fleet of helicopters, sources said.

With a view to completing the initial phases of the project in a time-bound manner, HAL will soon depute a dedicated team for the LOH project. We plan to bring them all under one roof. This includes the partnering industries who will assist in designing and fabricating ancillary parts for the helicopter, sources pointed out.

The LOH, sources said, will be a single- engine copter that will be capable of meeting the multi-challenges faced by the Services in various operational theatres. The copter will also be marketed across the world by the HAL marketing team now involved in ALH sales.