Thanks to pandora ji and pravin 007 for delivering this sweet news to us. I'd just like to focus everyone's attention on the key points in this article.
1. The missile-to-helicopter down-link ---- S band
The helicopter-to-missile up-link --- C band.
2. The range of operation is in the region of 10 kms.
(More than the expected 7.5 km range of helina.)
3. Helina is a fast track project spanning just 33 months to establish its full functionality with ALH. The 4 to 6 months time frame was given for realization of both the helicopter and the missile data link units.
(33 months for project phase 1 or for both 1 and 2 ? )
4. ECCM has also been tested.
(On expected lines; still it is nice to know!)
5. The field test to validate range of operation was carried out and a range of approximately 10 km was established. All the interface checks in full mission configuration were carried out and the LOAL principle was verified.
Now, to put things in perspective; here is what Mr. KS Vara Prasad ,PD, DRDL said about HELINA in Aero India Seminar 2011
1. First version will be NAG + some LRUs + booster for increased range.
2. Second version will have long range IIR seeker for exploiting full potential of the missile.
In the seminar Mr. Rao had indicated that two way RF data link, Launchers and other equipments were tested successfully. Now comes the overt admission of missile firings with those RF links; We are now deep into the first phase!
Onto the second phase, mates!...............
P.S. Second phase also has plans for NLOS type of system , range expected to go upto 15-20 km and study for integration with UAVs