L-3 Aviation Products (L-3 AP) announced today that Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has selected its Tactical Airborne Navigation System, TACAN+, for HAL's new Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) program. The TACAN+ transceiver is a small and light tactical airborne navigation system capable of tracking up to four ground stations simultaneously in range and two in bearing. It can be installed on rotary- and fixed-wing platforms and used for air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.

“L-3 has a long-standing relationship with HAL and we are very excited to be part of the LUH program,” said Kris Ganase, president of L-3 Aviation Products & Security. “This award, coupled with the recent opening of our new Manufacturing, Repair & Overhaul facility in Bengaluru, India, reflects L-3's commitment to supporting the evolving and dynamic needs of military and commercial aviation customers and business partners in the region.”

HAL developed the new LUH to meet the reconnaissance and utility rotorcraft needs of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Army. The first LUH prototype, the PT-1, is scheduled to commence test flights later this year, with initial operational clearance anticipated in 2017. Deliveries to the IAF and Indian Army are expected by the end of 2017, with production taking place near Bengaluru. HAL expects to produce approximately 50 helicopters annually.

“We are pleased to welcome L-3 to the LUH team,” said Mr. Shri T. Suvarna Raju, chairman and managing director of HAL. “Our selection of the TACAN+ underscores L-3's ability to develop and support industry-leading tactical avionics equipment that optimizes operational efficiencies through the reduction of Size, Weight and Power (SWaP) requirements.”