Vman Aero Servces, the Indian IFSCA-approved Gift City-based leasing company, has placed a letter of intent with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to purchase five units of the under-development civil version of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) with the option of five more.

Helicopter deliveries will start in 2025 with civil certification by India's Director General of Civil Aviation. The LUH has been developed to cater to a wide range of operating conditions, from very high-altitude to high-temperature desert operations. The civil aviation version of the LUH will cater for a wide range of roles covering charter, shuttle, urban mobility, HEMS, aerial work, search and rescue, and law enforcement.

“India has one of the lowest penetrations of the helicopter with limited operation profile. We believe the LUH, with its customer-focused design, will rejuvenate and expand the helicopter market in India,“ says Vishok Mansingh, CEO of Vman. “The LUH will be a valuable asset in our portfolio, and the LUH's civil version will provide the most versatile and economical option in its class to operators. This transaction will complete the Indian leasing echo system loop where Indian manufactured equipment will be offered by the Indian leasing company to the worldwide customer and meet the Aatmnirbhar vision of the Honorable Prime Minister of India.“