Tuesday, February 1 2005 14:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bangalore: Chetan, the re-engined Chetak helicopter made its first flight successfully in Bangalore today (Feb 01, 2005).

Chetan has been fitted with a powerful Snecma TM 333 2B2 engine that powers Dhruv, the Advanced Light Helicopter and is an upgraded version of HAL's workhorse Chetak, officials said.

The helicopter was flown over the Bangalore sky by project test pilot Wg Cdr P S Rao and test engineer Sqn Ldr S Jain.

Union Defence Secretary (Defence production) Shekar Dutt and senior HAL officials including chairman A K Baweja witnessed the flight.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) began the Chetan project six months ago and the self-funded project received impetus after HAL's Cheetal helicopter (the re-engined Cheetah) created a world record by landing at an altitude of 25,150 feet on Saser Kangi peak, next to Siachen glacier.

HAL plans to display the Chetan helicopters during the Aero India air show in February.