Strategic Timing: Macron’s India Visit Aligns with Tata-Airbus Helicopter H125 Initiative

Team Udayavani, Jan 27, 2024, 1:42 PM IST

Airbus Helicopters and the Tata Group are joining forces to create a Final Assembly Line for helicopters in India, which will mark a significant milestone for the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

This landmark partnership represents a milestone as it is the first time that the private sector is spearheading the establishment of a helicopter production facility in India, aligning perfectly with the Indian government’s “AatmaNirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) initiative.

This transformative collaboration will see Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), a subsidiary of the Tata Group, partnering with Airbus Helicopters to jointly produce the highly regarded H125 single-engine helicopters, which are a key component of Airbus’ civilian range.

The H125 single-engine helicopters (previously designated the AS350 B3e)
are a well-known and widely used model in Airbus’ range of civilian helicopters. They are known for their reliability, versatility, and performance, making them suitable for various applications including transportation, search and rescue, and aerial work operations.

The H125 achieved a remarkable feat in 2005 by making the highest-altitude landing and takeoff on Mount Everest, at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet). To this day, it holds the record for this extraordinary performance. Furthermore, the AS350 series dominates the global fleet of civil and parapublic turbine helicopters, accounting for 15% of the total fleets.

“Parapublic turbine” refers to helicopters that are used by government agencies, law enforcement, fire departments, search and rescue teams, and other similar public service organizations. These helicopters are equipped with turbine engines for enhanced performance and reliability in demanding operational environments.

The H125 is powered by a single Safran Arriel 2D engine that produces 847 shaft horsepower. It has a maximum cruise speed of 140 knots (259 Kmph) and can reach an impressive operating altitude of 23,000 feet, which is one of the highest in its class. With standard fuel tanks, it has a range of 340 nautical miles (630 Kms), allowing for approximately 4.5 hours of flying time. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 4,960 pounds (2249 kgs) and a useful load capacity of 2,152 pounds (976 kgs)

The H125 has a spacious cabin with a volume of 105.94 cubic feet (2.9 Cubic Metres), accommodating either one or two pilots along with up to six passengers. It provides flexible seating configurations for transporting three passengers, with options for four to six seats available. However, when choosing the six-seat configuration, only one pilot can be accommodated.

These helicopters are designed to cater to the domestic Indian market as well as for export to nearby countries. Additionally, the collaboration between Airbus Helicopters and the Tata Group goes beyond helicopters, as it includes the joint manufacture of at least 40 C-295 transport aircraft within India.The assembly of these aircraft will be overseen by TASL in Vadodara, Gujarat.

There has been a growing demand for single-engine helicopters in India, meeting the needs of different sectors including high-net-worth individuals, cargo transportation, and emergency medical services.

According to reports, there is a significant and timely demand for 600-800 helicopters from potential buyers. This highlights the importance and relevance of the collaboration between Airbus Helicopters and the Tata Group.

The H130, another helicopter model offered by Airbus, has already proven its capabilities in various roles such as serving tourist destinations, carrying out VIP duties, facilitating medical airlifts, and performing surveillance missions.

The significant announcement was made during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership and the celebrations of Republic Day.

During a special media briefing in New Delhi, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra disclosed that agreements were made on a defense-industrial roadmap and a defense space partnership during the visit, highlighting the strengthening relationship between India and France.He highlighted that the deal was signed while French President Emmanuel Macron was on a state visit to India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the Tata-Airbus facility in 2023, which marked a significant moment for India’s inclusion among a limited number of nations capable of manufacturing C-295 transport aircraft. Airbus and TASL have established several agreements, with TASL recently announcing its commitment to produce and provide components to Airbus for commercial jets, including the A320 and A350 models.

The Final Assembly Line (FAL) located in India will have a crucial role in the integration of major component assemblies, avionics, and mission systems. Additionally, the facility will handle tasks such as the installation of electrical harnesses, hydraulic circuits, flight controls, dynamic components, fuel systems, and the engine.

Moreover, the Final Assembly Line (FAL) will also be accountable for conducting testing, qualification, and delivering the H125 helicopters to customers in India and the surrounding region. The establishment of the FAL is anticipated to require a period of 24 months, and the first H125 helicopters manufactured in India are scheduled to be dispatched in 2026. The precise location of the FAL will be determined through a joint decision involving Airbus and the Tata Group.

Girish Linganna

Aerospace and Defence Analyst

(The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach out to him at: [email protected])