Aitech Secures $63 Million Contract for Avionics Computing Solutions to Support India's Light Combat Helicopter Programme
Bengaluru, India — Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has selected Aitech for trusted avionics computing technology and long-term programme support. Aitech is a leading provider of rugged embedded computing solutions for the aerospace and defence industries. Today Aitech announced a production contract worth $63 million with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) of India to supply highly capable avionics computing solutions for the Indian Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) programme. The extended contract supports avionics systems for 156 helicopters and ensures long-term production and maintenance for the Display Mission Computer (DMC) and related flight systems over the next five to six years.
The contract is a continuation of a relationship established since 2011 when HAL began developing the next-generation avionics architecture, namely rugged, high-performance computing solutions capable of supporting highly intensive avionics applications, advanced graphics, deterministic communications, and long mission lifetimes. Selected at the programme’s outset, Aitech designed and customised single-board computer solutions based on CompactPCI and graphics solutions specifically designed for processing helicopter display and mission. Rather than offering off-the-shelf commercial products, Aitech forged a close collaboration with HAL engineers to modify and qualify COTS-based architectures, integrating customised PMC modules and avionics-specific interfaces to meet helicopter requirements.
As HAL develops mission and flight software, Aitech provides hands-on technical support, on-site collaboration, and sustained production for testing and flight certification activities. The strength of this contract extension lies in the trusted technology and long-standing partnership.
HAL’s LCH avionics suite, including the Display Mission Computer and Automatic Flight Control Computer, is one of the most advanced helicopter electronics programmes in India to date. The system relies on dual redundant SBC architecture, real-time processing, and robust data handling to support mission visualization, flight control, and situational awareness in harsh operating environments.
HAL’s decision to work with Aitech was based on several key factors: - Proven Avionics Computing Expertise: The DMC architecture is built on high-reliability computing, advanced graphics processing, and deterministic connectivity, including Ethernet, which are major strengths in Aitech’s avionics portfolio. - Long-term Sustainability Commitment: Unlike many suppliers, Aitech can maintain board designs of the same quality, far beyond typical lifecycle, avoiding disruptive technology transitions mid-program. - Pre-existing Knowledge and Design Investment: The avionics computing boards are ‘integrated thoroughly into the helicopter design.’ Replacing them would require a complete redesign and requalification cycle spanning years. - Sustained Technical Support: From early characterisation through certification and approval, Aitech engineers worked closely with HAL on integration, performance, and qualification.
For more than forty years, Aitech has designed solutions and systems that solve complex problems for military use across sea, land, air, and space. The latest contract reinforces Aitech’s ongoing support to HAL’s need for a long-term avionics computing partner that delivers performance and sustainability, which are essential requirements for complex space platforms.
“HAL chose Aitech because we have provided innovative solutions from the outset of the project and remained involved at every stage to date,” said Gil Botton, Vice President and Head of Business Development in Aitech Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East, Africa. “We have played a key role in HAL’s initial success by delivering technical know-how, computing expertise, and production discipline to support the avionics systems for decades, not just a few years.”
About Aitech
Aitech is the world’s first independent open-system COTS/MOTS innovator offering rugged boards and subsystems that form the backbone for integrated computing and networking solutions. With more than 40 years of experience in aerospace, defence, and space, Aitech provides mission-proven, adaptable solutions across maritime, land, air, and space domains. Aitech’s customers include Airbus, BAE Systems, Boeing, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Northrop Grumman, Rafael, and Virgin Galactic.
Aitech is committed to building a better future with reliable and cost-effective embedded systems designed for the most demanding missions. For more information, visit www.aitechsystems.com.
SOURCE: Aitech