HAL Chetak

The light utility helicopter that supported India for decades

Overview

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited India ICAO: ALO3 1965–Present Active $2.9 million

The HAL Chetak is a license-built version of the French Aérospatiale Alouette III produced in India. Serving military and civilian operators, it became a versatile platform for training, transport, and liaison duties. The aircraft has played a foundational role in India’s rotary-wing operations.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
1 × Turbomeca Artouste IIIB turboshaft
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
871 shp · 650 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
5
Crew
—
Cabin width
5 ft 11 in  ·  1.80 m
Cabin height
4 ft 5 in  ·  1.35 m
Cabin length
5 ft 11 in  ·  1.80 m
Exterior length
42 ft 2 in  ·  12.84 m
Tail height
—
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
36 ft 2 in  ·  11.02 m
Baggage volume
—
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
4,850 lb  ·  2,200 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
2,350 lb  ·  1,050 kg
Fuel capacity
150 gal · 600 L · 500 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
113 kt  ·  130 mph  ·  209 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
292 nm  ·  340 mi  ·  540 km
Fuel burn
2.19 nm/gal  ·  1.07 km/L
Ceiling
21,325 ft  ·  6,500 m
Rate of climb
950 ft/min  ·  5 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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HAL Chetak ‘MPH-09’

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Operational Context

HAL Chetak — light utility helicopter

The Chetak was produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited beginning in the 1960s under license from Aérospatiale. Based on the Alouette III, it featured a simple and robust design suited to varied climates and altitudes. The helicopter entered widespread Indian service and remained in production for decades.

Powered by a Turbomeca Artouste turboshaft engine delivering approximately 550 shaft horsepower, the Chetak cruises at about 100 knots (185 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 4,850 pounds (2,200 kg). The helicopter typically carries up to six occupants including the pilot.

The Chetak has been used for training, search and rescue, casualty evacuation, and naval utility missions. Its ability to operate in high-altitude Himalayan regions demonstrated its ruggedness. Although gradually replaced by newer designs, it remains an important chapter in India’s aviation development.