HAL Dhruv

Last updated

Dhruv
Indian air force dhruv helicopter j4042 arp.jpg
Dhruv Mk.I with the Sarang display team
General information
Type Utility helicopter
National originIndia
Manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
DesignerRotary Wing Research and Design Center [1]
StatusIn service
Primary users Indian Army
Number built400+ (January 2024) [2]
History
Manufactured1992–present
Introduction dateMarch 2002 [3]
First flight20 August 1992 [4]
Variants HAL Rudra
Developed into HAL Prachand
HAL Light Utility Helicopter

The HAL Dhruv is a utility helicopter designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in November 1984. The helicopter first flew in 1992; its development was prolonged due to multiple factors including the Indian Army's requirement for design changes, budget restrictions, and sanctions placed on India following the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests. The name comes from a Sanskrit origin word dhruv which means unshakeable or firm. [5]

Contents

Dhruv entered service in 2002. It is designed to meet the requirement of both military and civil operators, with military variants of the helicopter being developed for the Indian Armed Forces, while a variant for civilian/commercial use has also been developed. Military versions in production include transport, utility, reconnaissance and medical evacuation variants.

As of January 2024, more than 400 Dhruvs had been produced for domestic and export markets logging more than 340,000 flying hours. [2] [6]

Development

Origins

HAL Dhruv on board INS Vikrant during her sea trials HAL Dhruv onboard INS Vikrant (R11) during sea trials.jpg
HAL Dhruv on board INS Vikrant during her sea trials

The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program for an indigenous 5-ton multirole helicopter was initiated in May 1979 by the Indian Air Force and Indian Naval Air Arm. [7] HAL were given a contract by the Indian government in 1984 to develop the helicopter; [7] [8] Germany's Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) were contracted in July 1984 as a design consultant and collaborative partner on the programme. [9] [10] Although originally scheduled to fly in 1989, the first prototype ALH (Z-3182) made its maiden flight on 20 August 1992 at Bangalore with the then-Indian Vice President K R Narayanan in attendance. [11] This was followed by a second prototype (Z-3183) on 18 April 1993, an Army/Air Force version (Z-3268), and a navalised prototype (IN.901) with Allied Signal CTS800 engines and a retractable tricycle undercarriage. [12] Development problems arose due to changing military demands and a funding shortfall in the wake of the 1991 Indian economic crisis. [7]

Naval testing on board INS Viraat and other ships started in March 1998, and around the same time a weight-reduction programme was initiated. [13] However, further delays in development were caused when sanctions were implemented against India following a number of Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 and India's continued refusal to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. As a result, the intended engine for the helicopter, the LHTEC T800, was embargoed. [13] [14] The Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 turboshaft engine was selected as a replacement; in addition, Turbomeca agreed to co-develop a more powerful engine with HAL, originally known as the Ardiden . [15] Turbomeca also assisted in the development of the helicopter; stress analysis and studies of rotor dynamics were conducted in France. [16] The first flight of Dhruv with the new engine variant, called the Shakti, took place on 16 August 2007. [17] [18]

Further development

The HAL Rudra, earlier known as Dhruv-WSI (Weapons Systems Integrated), is an attack variant designed for the Indian Army. [19] Development was sanctioned in December 1998 [20] and the prototype first flew on 16 August 2007; it is to be armed with both anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, and a 20-mm turret-mounted cannon. [21] The Dhruv-WSI is to be capable of conducting combat air support (CAS) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) roles as well. [22] In addition to the Dhruv-WSI, HAL is also developing the light combat helicopter (LCH) based on the Dhruv for the Indian Armed Forces. It is fitted with stub wings for carrying up to eight anti-armour missiles, four air-to-air missiles, or four pods loaded with either 70 mm or 68 mm rockets. The LCH will also have forward-looking infrared (FLIR), a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera, and a target acquisition system with laser rangefinder and thermal vision. [23]

A Dhruv of the Indian Army IA-1136 HAL Dhruv (Indian Army).jpg
A Dhruv of the Indian Army

In 2005, following a crash landing of a Dhruv, the entire fleet was grounded when it was discovered to have been caused by excessive vibration of the tail rotor. Following a redesign which incorporated new materials in addition to changes in design methodology, the Dhruv undertook recertification and returned to service shortly after March 2006. [24] [25] In April 2007, a report published by the Indian Committee of Defence noted the Dhruv as one of four "focus areas" identified as having high export potential. [26] In January 2011, HAL and partner Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced that they were jointly developing the Dhruv to operate as an unmanned maritime helicopter, stating customer interest in such a feature. [27]

The first five production Dhruv Mk III, powered by the more powerful Shakti-1H engine, were delivered to the Leh-based 205 Aviation Squadron on 7 February 2011 during a ceremony at HAL's Helicopter Division. [28] In July 2011, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation certified a Dhruv simulator developed by HAL and Canadian developer CAE Inc; the simulator is easily modifiable to simulate different variants of the Dhruv and other helicopters such as the Eurocopter Dauphin. [29] Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL) has been developing an oxygen life-support system to improve the helicopter's high-altitude performance, and as of August 2010 the IAF has ordered development of this system for the Dhruv. [30]

Design

Dhruv MK.3 of Mauritius Police Force Mauritius Police Force Dhruv Helicopter.jpg
Dhruv MK.3 of Mauritius Police Force

The HAL Dhruv is of conventional design; about 29 percent of its empty weight (constituting 60 percent of the airframe's surface area) is composite materials. [31] It has been reported that the unique carbon fibre composite developed by HAL reduced the helicopter's weight by 50 percent. [32] The high tail boom allows easy access to the rear doors. The twin 1000 shp Turbomeca TM333-2B2 turboshafts are mounted above the cabin and drive a four-blade composite main rotor. The main rotor can be manually folded; the blades are mounted between carbon-fibre-reinforced plates, the rotor head is constructed from fibre elastomers. [9] In February 2004, US helicopter company Lord Corporation were awarded a contract to develop an active vibration control system (AVCS), which monitors onboard conditions and cancels out fuselage vibrations. [33]

The cockpit section of the fuselage is of Kevlar and carbon-fibre construction; it is also fitted with crumple zones and crashworthy seats. The aircraft is equipped with a SFIM Inc four-axis automatic flight control system. Avionics systems include a HF/UHF communications radio, IFF recognition, Doppler navigation, and a radio altimeter; a weather radar and the Omega navigation system were options for the naval variant. [34] IAI has also developed targeting systems and an electronic warfare suite for the Dhruv, as well as avionics for day-and-night flight observation. [27] HAL's claim that the Dhruv is indigenous has been challenged by 5h3 Comptroller and Auditor General of India, who reported that as of August 2010 the helicopter was: "...against the envisaged indigenisation level of 50% (by 2008), 90% of the value of material used in each ALH is still imported from foreign suppliers". [35]

HAL Dhruv MK-III of the Indian Coast Guard DhruvMKIII.jpg
HAL Dhruv MK-III of the Indian Coast Guard

In September 2010, it was reported that the Dhruv's Integrated Dynamic System (IDS), which combines several key rotor control functions into a single module carrying the engine's power to the rotors, [9] was suffering from excessive wear, necessitating frequent replacement; as a consequence the cruising speed had been restricted to 250 km/h and high-altitude performance was lessened as well. HAL contracted Italian aerospace firm Avio for consultancy purposes and they subsequently replicated production of the IDS in Italy in order to isolate the problem with the early testing of the Dhruv subsequently being criticized as "rushed". [36] In June 2011, HAL has reported that the issue had been resolved and not present in the Dhruv Mk III; a number of alterations both to the design and production had been made to improve the IDS. A programme of retrofitting the Mk I and Mk II was completed by June 2011. [37]

The ALH Mk-III with new Shakti-1H engines has better and improved high altitude performance operating at altitudes over 6 km. It comes with seating for 14 fully equipped troops. DGCA has reportedly praised its crashworthy design as a few accidents have not caused any fatalities. [38]

In September 2024, HAL assigned TimeTooth Technologies, based in Bengaluru, for indigenisation of Rotor Damp System to be used on ALH Dhruv and HAL Prachand. The project involves development and qualification of the system for the next two years followed by its production and supply would be for a period of 5 years and beyond. The majority of the project will be funded by the private company itself. The production order value is expected to exceed $5 million within the 5-year period. [39]

Operational history

India

Dhruv Mk.III towed inside the hangar of an Indian Coast Guard patrol vessel Ez R YRVUAE5WW6.jpg
Dhruv Mk.III towed inside the hangar of an Indian Coast Guard patrol vessel

Deliveries of the Dhruv commenced in January 2002, nine years after the prototype's first flight, and nearly eighteen years after the program was initiated. [12]

The Indian Coast Guard was the first service to operate the Dhruv; this was followed by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force. 75 Dhruvs were delivered to the Indian armed forces by 2007, and as of 2008 it was planned to produce 40 helicopters annually. [40] The Indian Air Force's Sarang aerobatic display team performs using 4 Dhruv helicopters. [41] On 23 December 2007, a further order of 159 helicopters, worth ₹ 14,000 crore (equivalent to ₹420 billionorUS$5.1 billion in 2023), for the Indian Army and Air Force was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). [42] [43] By 2007, Indian Air Force operationalised two ALH squadrons in Yelehanka AFS in Bengaluru and Sarsawa AFS. [44]

Sarang Helicopter display team of the IAF. Sarang solo.jpg
Sarang Helicopter display team of the IAF.

The Dhruv is capable of flying at high altitudes, as it was an Army requirement for the helicopter to be able operate in the Siachen Glacier and Kashmir regions. In September 2007, the Dhruv Mk.3 was cleared for high-altitude flying in the Siachen Sector after six months of trials. [45] [46] In October 2007, a Dhruv Mk.3 flew to an altitude of 27,500 feet (8,400 m) ASL in Siachen. [47] An Indian Army report in 2009 criticised the Dhruv's performance, stating: "The ALH was not able to fly above 5,000m, though the army's requirements stipulated an ability to fly up to 6,500m"; this has been blamed on the TM333 engine. As a consequence the Army had to continue relying on the older Cheetah/Cheetal helicopters to meet the shortfall. [48] The more powerful Shakti-1H engine has since been introduced on the Dhruv Mk.3; on one test it carried 600 kg load to Sonam Post against the Army's requirement of 200 kg. [49] The Indian Army received the first batch of Dhruv Mk.3s during Aero India 2011. [50]

HAL Dhruv of Indian Navy during special operation with MARCOS HAL Dhruv during special operation.jpg
HAL Dhruv of Indian Navy during special operation with MARCOS

In October 2008, Defence Minister A. K. Antony announced that the Indian Navy will deploy the Dhruv in the utility role. The proposed anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant had been deemed unsuitable by the Navy, which was reportedly dissatisfied with the folding blade performance and maintenance record. [51] [52] In 2015, HAL modified the foldable rotor's design to allow the Dhruv to be carried on board light frigates; several Indian Navy helicopters shall receive this modification. [53] The Navy has considered the Dhruv for maritime surveillance and search and rescue roles, [54] and in 2008 a senior Navy official said: "The ALH has a long way to go before the programme matures sufficiently for it to undertake basic naval roles such as search and rescue (SAR) and communication duties." [55] In 2013, the Indian Navy was reportedly interested in the HAL Rudra, the armed version of the Dhruv. [56] On 12 November 2013, the Indian Navy commissioned their first Dhruv squadron (INAS 322, Guardians); Vice Admiral Sinha stated that "In the Navy, Dhruv helicopters had transformed into an advanced search and rescue (SAR) helicopter, which is also used for missions like heliborne operations, and armed patrol with night vision devices". [57]

US Army deploying from Dhruv of Indian Army during a joint military exercise Army Aviation India deploying US troops.jpg
US Army deploying from Dhruv of Indian Army during a joint military exercise

Civil Dhruv variants are produced for transport, rescue, policing, offshore operations, air-ambulance, and other roles. [58] The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation are to use the Dhruv for offshore operations. Several Indian state governments are to use Dhruvs for police and transportation duties. [44] In March 2011, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation released a proposed airworthiness directive asking all civilian Dhruv operators to temporarily ground their aircraft due to cracks potentially forming in the tail area, and recommended reinforcing affected areas. [59] [60]

Following the 2011 Sikkim earthquake, four Dhruvs conducted rescue operations. [61] In October 2011, Jharkhand's regional government appealed for Mil Mi-17 helicopters as operations of their Dhruvs had been disrupted by prolonged maintenance delays and a major crash. [62] [63] In October 2011, The Telegraph reported that a spate of helicopter crashes, including the Dhruv, were alleged to have been caused by low quality maintenance work performed by Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd. [64]

HAL Dhruv and HAL Rudra in Rudra formation over Rajpath, at the Republic Day celebrations, on 26 January 2020 HAL Dhruv and Rudra in Rudra formation.jpg
HAL Dhruv and HAL Rudra in Rudra formation over Rajpath, at the Republic Day celebrations, on 26 January 2020

In February 2012, the Home Ministry reported that the Dhruv remained grounded and that other helicopters such as the Mi-17 were being wet-leased in its place and that in the long term the Dhruv fleet is to be replaced. [65] In February 2012, HAL reported that the Indian Army and Air Force had ordered a further 159 units of Dhruv helicopters. [66]

HAL rolls out the 300th Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter. HAL rolls out 300th Dhruv ALH.jpg
HAL rolls out the 300th Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter.

Six Army Dhruvs along with 18 Air Force Dhruvs were used during rescue operations after the 2013 North India floods. Their compact size, agility, ability to carry up to 16 people to heights of 10,000 feet, and to evacuate stranded people from inaccessible regions was praised. [67] [68] [69] The Dhruv could carry more people from high-altitude helipads than the heavier Mi-17, and land where the lighter Bell 407 could not. Total flight time during Operation Rahat and Operation Surya Hope was 630 hours, of which 550 hours were dedicated to SAR missions. [67] [70]

Technicians attaching underslung load on an Indian Navy Dhruv NavyDhruv.jpg
Technicians attaching underslung load on an Indian Navy Dhruv

In January 2014, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) inducted a Dhruv equipped with a heliborne geophysical survey system (HGSS). Costing ₹63 crore (US$8 million), the HGSS can conduct magnetic, spectrometric and gravity surveys. [71] [72] [73] In May 2018, Israel Aerospace Industries was awarded a contract to upgrade cockpits of 150 Dhruv helicopters, in addition to 50 that had been contracted earlier. [74]

On February 5, 2021, the Indian Navy tweeted that it has received the Advanced Light Helicopter MK III (MR) alongside the Indian Coast Guard. [75] In February 2021, HAL announced that it had rolled out the 300th Advance Light Helicopter out of its production line in Bangalore.

As of September 2024, Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) chose HAL Dhruv for its operations to fly out personnel and equipment from offshore oil rigs. The helicopters will be operated by Pawan Hans. Dhruv won the competition after a competitive bidding with foreign bidders. [76]

Other users

Israel: A civilian Dhruv was leased to the Israeli Defense Ministry in 2004; IAI has also made use of the Defense Ministry's Dhruv for marketing and public relations purposes. [32] [77] [78]

HAL Dhruv helicopter gifted to Maldives Maldivian Defence Minister Mohamed Nazim addressing an audience in Kochi.jpg
HAL Dhruv helicopter gifted to Maldives

Maldives: In April 2010, the Indian Navy gifted a Dhruv to the Maldives National Defence Force for conducting search and rescue and medical evacuation, [79] while a second Mk.III equipped with a weather radar was donated in December 2013. The first helicopter is based at Addu Atoll and the second will be based at Hanimaadhoo. [80]

Myanmar: In 2007, Amnesty International stated it possessed evidence that India planned to transfer two Dhruvs to Burma, and pointed to the use of European-sourced components as a possible violation of the European Union (EU) arms embargo against that country. [81] [82] [83] The Indian government disputed Amnesty's claims and denied any wrongdoing. [84]

Nepal: In early 2004, the first foreign order for the Dhruv was placed by Nepal for two examples. [85] In November 2014, India gifted another Dhruv to Nepali Army as part of a strategic pact. [86] [87]

Peru: In June 2008, the government of Peru ordered two air ambulance Dhruvs for use by the Peruvian Health Services. [88]

Turkey: In August 2008, a deal was reportedly finalised with Turkey for three Dhruvs for US$20 million, with plans to buy as many as 17 of the helicopters for use in the medical assistance role. [89] [90]

Potential users

The Dhruv has become the first major Indian weapons system to have secured large foreign sales. In 2004, HAL stated that it hoped to sell 120 Dhruvs over the next eight years, [91] and has been displaying the Dhruv at air shows, including Farnborough and Paris in order to market the Dhruv. [92] HAL had entered into a partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to develop and promote the Dhruv, IAI has also helped develop new avionics and a glass cockpit for newer variants of the Dhruv. [93]

With a unit price at least 15 percent less than its rivals, the Dhruv has elicited interest in many countries, mostly from Latin America, Africa, West Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific Rim nations. Air forces from around 35 countries have made inquiries, along with requests for demonstrations. [94] Flight certification for Europe and North America is also being planned in order to tap the large civilian market there. [95]

Russia: In July 2006, the then Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Shashindra Pal Tyagi commented that India could purchase as many as 80 Mi-17 helicopters if Russia in turn bought Dhruv helicopters in exchange. [96]

South America: HAL has reportedly been negotiating with Bolivia for five Dhruvs; and with Venezuela for up to seven. [89]

Southeast Asia: The Dhruv has also been offered to Malaysia, [97] while it is also being evaluated by the Indonesian Army. [98]

Philippines: The HAL Annual Report for 2020-21, indicated that the Philippine Coast Guard is interested to potentially buy 7 Dhruvs via Indian-based credit. [99] It is reported that the PCG is looking at the Dhruv ALH. [100] [101] There has been to instances when the capabilities of Dhruv were demonstrated to Philippines. First was when PCG chief visited Indian Coast Guard facility at Goa in 2023 and took part in a "Customer Demonstration Flight" and second was when a three ship flotilla (including INS Delhi, INS Shakti and [[INS Kiltan (P30)|INS Kiltan]]) visited Manila, Philippines in May 2024. [102]

Egypt: Egypt stated in 2022 that it was interested in acquiring the ALH. [103]

Argentina: The Argentinian Ministry of Defense signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to procure the Dhruv for the Armed Forces of the Argentine Republic on July 20, 2023. [104] [105]

Failed bids

Chile: The Dhruv participated in a Chilean tender for eight to ten twin-engined helicopters, conducting a series of evaluation flights to demonstrate the capabilities of its avionics and flight performance; however, it lost out to the Bell 412, [106] [107] although there were media accusations of unfair pressure being exercised by the US Government to favour Bell. [94] [108]

Former user

Ecuador

Dhruv helicopters of the Ecuadorian Air Force Dhruv Ecuador.jpg
Dhruv helicopters of the Ecuadorian Air Force

HAL has secured an order from the Ecuadorian Air Force (EAF) for seven Dhruvs, amidst strong competition from Elbit, Eurocopter and Kazan. HAL's offer of US$50.7 million was about 32 percent lower than the second lowest bid from Elbit. [109] Five helicopters were delivered in February 2009, during Aero India 2009. [110] Both the Ecuadorian Army and Ecuadorian Navy have since expressed interest in the Dhruvs. [111] The Dhruv has been involved in search and rescue, transport, and MEDEVAC missions in the north of the country. [112]

Following the crash of one of the Dhruvs in October 2009, Ecuador reportedly considered returning their six helicopters to HAL amid claims of being unfit for service; [113] EAF commander Genl. Rodrigo Bohorquez stated "If it is a major problem that can't be easily remedied, we would have to return [the Dhruv]." HAL assisted the crash investigation, which found the cause to be pilot error. [114]

In February 2011, the EAF were reported to be satisfied with the Dhruv's performance and was considering further orders. [115] By October 2015, a total of four Ecuadorian Dhruvs had crashed reportedly due to mechanical equipment and Ecuador grounded the type. [116] In October 2015 Ecuador cancelled the contract and withdrew the surviving helicopters from service, non-delivery of parts and high accident rate were cited. [117] In 2016, the Ecuadorian Minister of Defense Ricardo Patiño announced that the remainder of the HAL Dhruv helicopters of the Ecuadorian Air Force, which are stored at the Guayaquil Air Base are for sale and that the Air Force is looking for potential buyers. [118] The Government of Ecuador had unilaterally terminated the contract with HAL citing safety concerns of the helicopters. [119] A HAL spokesman said that while maintenance was supposed to be done by the EAF due to the warranty period being expired, the company was willing to assist them to make sure that the Dhruvs were operational. [120] Quito declined further assistance. [120]

Orders

Variants

Military variants

A HAL Dhruv military variant with cargo bay open Dhruv-IA-1133-060.JPG
A HAL Dhruv military variant with cargo bay open
Mk.1
The initial configuration with a conventional cockpit with mechanical gauges and Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 turboshaft engines. A total of 56 have been delivered to the Indian military. [133] [134] Manufacturing began in 2001. [135]
Mk.2
Similar to the Mk.1, except has the newer HAL-IAI glass cockpit. [134] A total of 20 have been delivered to the Indian military. [133] Manufacturing began in 2007. [135]
Mk.3
An improved version equipped with Shakti-1H engines, new electronic warfare (EW) suite and warning systems, automatic chaff and flare dispensers, Integrated Architecture Display System (IADS) with Digital Moving Map, Electro Optical pod, infrared suppressor, health & usage monitoring system, Solid State Digital Video Recorder (SSDVR), Engine Particle Separator and improved vibration control system. [134] [136] The first batch were inducted into service in 2012. [137]
Mk.3 Coast Guard
HAL Dhruv operated by Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, Indian Coast Guard.jpg
HAL Dhruv operated by Indian Coast Guard

Same in performance to the Mk.3 however, has additional equipment such as a cabin mountain MG, High Intensity Search Light and a loud hailer. It is armed with a 12.7 mm HMG. [138]

Mk. 3 Navy/Mk.3 MR (Marine Reconnaissance)

Has additional equipment such as a modern surveillance radar and electro-optical equipment to carry out maritime reconnaissance as well as long-range search and rescue missions, an HMG and the capability to mount at least 2 ASW torpedoes. [139]

Mk.4
Also known as ALH-WSI (Weapons System Integrated) or HAL Rudra [140] [141]

Utility Helicopter-Marine

HAL is currently developing an advanced variant of the ALH Dhruv to address the specific needs of the Indian Navy. The helicopter is to be purpose-built for ship-borne uses.

The UH-M programme has its origin from the Navy's Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH) acquisition programme. The Navy issued a requirement of 111 units of utility helicopters. The programme was cleared by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) – the main acquisition panel under the Ministry of Defence (MoD) headed by the then Minister of Defence Nirmala Sitharaman on 25 August 2018 though the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) document. The cost of the programme was set at ₹ 21,000 crore (equivalent to ₹280 billionorUS$3.4 billion in 2023). The requirement would be fulfilled through the Strategic Partnership (SP) model including an Indian and a foreign Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) under the Make in India initiative. [142]

According to a report in April 2022, the Expression of Interest (EoI) to OEMs and Strategic Partners were issued in February 2019. However, the deal was included in the third "positive indigenisation list". [143] Meanwhile, HAL had carried out a joint study of ALH Dhruv to increase the MTOW to 5.7 tonnes, reduce the empty weight and increase the overall payload capacity to 600 kg. The modifications also included "reduced stowage dimensions to meet requirement with foldable two segment blades and modified upper control system and Aircraft Ship Integrated Secure and Traverse (ASIST) traversing interface for ship deck." The programme is to replace the Navy's ageing Chetak fleet. [144] The Indian Navy is to place an order of at least 50 helicopters in the first phase. [145] [146]

The maritime wheeled version of Dhruv having segmented Main Rotor Blades (MRBs) and Main Rotor Head (MRH) in pre-cone configuration completed its first flight on 30 June 2022. [147] By March 2023, tail boom folding has been demonstrated. Reportedly, the UH-M will also showcase anti-ship missile and torpedo firing capability. [148]

On 16 March 2023, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the Utility Helicopter-Maritime programme for the Indian Navy. [149]

On 20 October 2024, a report from The Economic Times revealed that the prototype of Utility Helicopters-Marine (UH-M) helicopter is under construction while the first flight is expected by May 2025. Its multirole capabilities will include transportation of personnel, cargo delivery and CASEVAC. Simultaneously, the new technologies developed for the new helicopter is also being tested on a testbed. The design is mostly based on the earlier Dhruv and includes extensive modifications to fit inside a ship-based hangar. The modifications includes foldable tail boom as well as foldable rotor blades and a nose-mounted surveillance radar. The Navy needs 111 of these helicopters. [150]

Civil variants

Dhruv civil variant VT-XLH HAL Dhruv (8414607154).jpg
Dhruv civil variant
Dhruv (C)
Also known as ALH-Civil, a Turbomeca TM333-2B2-powered 12-seat helicopter with retractable landing gear, type certificate issued on 31 October 2003. [151]
Dhruv (CFW)
A Turbomeca TM333-2B2-powered 12-seat helicopter fitted with wheels, type certificate issued on 20 April 2005. [151]
Dhruv (CS)
A Turbomeca TM333-2B2-powered 12-seat helicopter fitted with skids, type certificate issued on 30 July 2004. [151]
Garuda Vasudha
A Dhruv outfitted with a heliborne geophysical survey system (HGSS) from Pico Envirotec Inc, Canada. [71] [152]

Accidents and incidents

There have been several accidents involving Dhruv Helicopters (ALH) ever since the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited began producing them in 2002, the Indian Government reported to Parliament on 8 March 2016. “Out of 16 accidents, 12 occurred due to human error and environmental factors and the remaining four occurred due to technical reasons,” Minister of State for Defence Rao Inderjit Singh informed the Indian parliament. [119]

The aluminium booster control rods, which are found to be the main reason of the recent accidents, are being replaced by steel ones. According to reports, the collective control rod has been replaced in the entire helicopter fleet while that of the other two rods (lateral and longitudinal) in the ALH fleet is underway, and is planned to be completed by end of June 2024. [162] [163]

Operators

Military operators

Former military operators

Flag of Ecuador.svg  Ecuador

Civil operators

ALH Dhruv air ambulance in Bangalore, India HAL Dhruv Ambulance Version.jpg
ALH Dhruv air ambulance in Bangalore, India
Flag of India.svg  India
Flag of Turkey.svg  Turkey
Flag of Peru.svg  Peru

Specifications

Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft [185] [186]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk</span> Naval helicopter series of the H-60/S-70 family

The Sikorsky SH-60/MH-60 Seahawk is a twin turboshaft engine, multi-mission United States Navy helicopter based on the United States Army UH-60 Black Hawk and a member of the Sikorsky S-70 family. The most significant modifications are the folding main rotor blades and a hinged tail to reduce its footprint aboard ships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hindustan Aeronautics Limited</span> Indian public sector aerospace manufacturing company

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is an Indian public sector aerospace and defence company, headquartered in Bengaluru (Bangalore). Established on 23 December 1940, HAL is one of the oldest and largest aerospace and defence manufacturers in the world. HAL began aircraft manufacturing as early as 1942 with licensed production of Harlow PC-5, Curtiss P-36 Hawk and Vultee A-31 Vengeance for the Indian Air Force. HAL currently has 11 dedicated Research and development (R&D) centres and 21 manufacturing divisions under 4 production units spread across India. HAL is managed by a board of directors appointed by the President of India through the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. In 2024, the company was given Maharatna status. HAL is currently involved in the designing and manufacturing of fighter jets, helicopters, jet engine and marine gas turbine engine, avionics, hardware development, spares supply, overhauling and upgrading of Indian military aircraft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian Air Force</span> Aerial service branch of the Indian Armed Forces

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces. Its primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during armed conflicts. It was officially established on 8 October 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire which honoured India's aviation service during World War II with the prefix Royal. After India gained independence from United Kingdom in 1947, the name Royal Indian Air Force was kept and served in the name of the Dominion of India. With the transition to a republic in 1950, the prefix Royal was removed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Westland Sea King</span> Military helicopter, 1969-present

The Westland WS-61 Sea King is a British licence-built version of the American Sikorsky S-61 helicopter of the same name, built by Westland Helicopters. The aircraft differs considerably from the American version, with Rolls-Royce Gnome engines, British-made anti-submarine warfare systems and a fully computerised flight control system. The Sea King was primarily designed for performing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. A Sea King variant known as the Commando was developed by Westland to serve as a troop transport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian Coast Guard</span> Maritime security force of India

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is a maritime law enforcement and search and rescue agency of India with jurisdiction over its territorial waters including its contiguous zone and exclusive economic zone. It was started on 1 February 1977 and formally established on 18 August 1978 by the Coast Guard Act, 1978 of the Parliament of India. It operates under the Ministry of Defence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sarang display team</span> Military unit

Sarang is an aerobatic air display team of the Indian Air Force. Formally established as the No. 151 Helicopter Unit in 2005, the unit flies five modified HAL Dhruv helicopters and is based out of Sulur Air Force Station near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.

The Indian Naval Air Arm is the aviation branch and a fighting arm of the Indian Navy which is tasked to provide an aircraft carrier-based strike capability, fleet air defence, maritime reconnaissance, and anti-submarine warfare.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HAL Prachand</span> Indigenously-Developed, Indian Light Combat Helicopter

The HAL Prachand is an Indian multi-role light attack helicopter designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) under Project Light Combat Helicopter (LCH). It has been ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army's Aviation Corps (AAC). On 3 October 2022, the LCH was formally inducted into the IAF and was officially named "Prachand".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">AgustaWestland AW119 Koala</span> Single-engine, eight-seat utility helicopter manufactured by Leonardo

The AgustaWestland AW119 Koala, produced by Leonardo since 2016, is an eight-seat utility helicopter powered by a single turboshaft engine produced for the civil market. Introduced as the Agusta A119 Koala prior to the Agusta-Westland merger, it is targeted at operators favoring lower running costs of a single-engine aircraft over the redundancy of a twin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HAL Light Utility Helicopter</span> Indian light helicopter

The HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), along with its derivative, Light Observation Helicopter (LOH), was designed and developed by the Rotary Wing Research and Design Center (RWR&DC), one of the R&D sections of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), for civilian and military applications. These are intended to replace license-built versions of Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama (designated Cheetah) and Aérospatiale Alouette III (designated Chetak) in service with the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Indian Multi Role Helicopter</span> Type of aircraft

The Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH) is a medium-lift helicopter currently under development by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the Indian Armed Forces. It is designed for multiple roles, air assault, air-attack, anti-submarine, anti-surface, military transport and VIP transport roles. IMRH is aimed to replace all the current Mil Mi-17 and Mil Mi-8 helicopters across the Indian Armed Forces.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Army Aviation Corps (India)</span> Aviation arm of the Indian Army and its youngest overall combat arm

The Army Aviation Corps (AAC) is the youngest arm of the Indian Army, being formally designated on 1 November 1986. The Army Aviation Corps units are designated as Squadrons. Each squadron generally consists of two Flights. Reconnaissance (Recce) and Observation flights might be part of squadrons or operate independently. The latter do not have a parent squadron and are designated by an (I) in their name.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HAL Aerospace Museum</span> Aerospace museum in Bangalore, India

HAL Aerospace Museum is India's first aerospace museum located at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited premises, in Bangalore. Established in 2001, the Museum is part of the HAL Heritage Centre and Aero Space Museum, and showcases the growth of the Indian aviation industry and HAL for six decades. The museum houses displays of various aircraft and helicopters, Aircraft engine models, Flight simulators, a mock Air Traffic Control Tower and exhibit of Indian aviation history. The Museum is maintained by HAL.

INS Garuda, is an Indian naval air station located in Kochi, in the state of Kerala. Commissioned on 11 May 1953, it is the oldest operating air station of the Indian Navy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">INS Hansa</span> Airport in Goa, India

INS Hansa, is an Indian naval air station located near Dabolim in Goa, India. It is India's biggest naval airbase. The military air base has a civil enclave, that operates as Dabolim Airport.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">HAL Rudra</span> Attack variant of the HAL Dhruv helicopter

The HAL Rudra also known as ALH-WSI, is an armed version of the HAL Dhruv utility helicopter which is designed and produced by the Indian aerospace manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The INAS 322 is an Indian naval air squadron based at INS Garuda, Kochi.

The INAS 323 is an Indian naval air squadron based at INS Hansa, Goa. It operates the multi-role helicopter HAL Dhruv in maritime configuration. The primary role of the squadron is Search and Rescue, Special Operations and Coastal Surveillance.

References

Citations
  1. ↑ "Rotary Wing". Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Archived from the original on 9 October 2021. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  2. 1 2 Philip, Snehesh Alex (22 October 2022). "Over 400 indigenous Dhruv and its variant helicopters built since 2002, but at least 23 crashed". The Print. Retrieved 21 March 2024.
  3. ↑ Jackson, Paul; Munson, Kenneth; Peacock, Lindsay (2004). Jane's All the World's Aircraft (95th ed.). Coulsdon: Jane's. ISBN   0-71062614-2.
  4. ↑ "Equipment: Dhruv". Indian Army. Archived from the original on 21 October 2014. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  5. ↑ "Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English Dictionary - ध". sanskrit.inria.fr. Archived from the original on 21 September 2021. Retrieved 18 March 2021.
  6. ↑ Thapar, Vishal (19 January 2022). "HAL Signs Contract For Export Of Dhruv Helicopter To Mauritius". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 20 January 2022. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  7. 1 2 3 Hirschberg 2011, p. 49.
  8. ↑ Datta 2008, p. 12.
  9. 1 2 3 Jackson 2003, p. 185.
  10. ↑ Khan 2004, p. 248.
  11. ↑ Kahn 2004, pp. 248–249.
  12. 1 2 Jackson, p. 184.
  13. 1 2 "HAL Dhruv (India), Aircraft – Rotary-wing – Civil/military". Jane's. 13 July 2011. Archived from the original on 3 May 2012.
  14. ↑ "Dhruv on wings at Paris". Business Line. 5 July 2005. Archived from the original on 22 September 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  15. ↑ "Aero India – HAL to target maritime contract". Flight International. 15 February 2005.
  16. ↑ Standing Committee of Defence 2007, p. 24.
  17. ↑ "Dhruvs with Shakti engine and weapons make maiden flight". HAL. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  18. ↑ Sharma, Ravi (19 July 2007). "Shakti-powered ALH to fly on August 1". The Hindu . Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 19 October 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  19. ↑ "Army to soon get indigenous weaponised chopper Advanced Light Helicopter 'Rudra'". The Times of India. 5 September 2011. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017.
  20. ↑ Standing Committee of Defence 2007, p. 45.
  21. ↑ "Weaponised version of Dhruv makes maiden flight". The Hindu . Chennai, India. 17 August 2007. Archived from the original on 10 November 2012.
  22. ↑ Standing Committee of Defence 2007, pp. 24–25.
  23. ↑ "Indigenous combat copter takes to skies". The Times of India . 24 May 2010. Archived from the original on 11 April 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  24. ↑ "IAF's Dhruv helicopter crash-lands in Jaisalmer". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 27 February 2010. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012.
  25. ↑ "Dhruv to resume service soon". Outlook India. 10 March 2006. Archived from the original on 30 January 2013.
  26. ↑ Standing Committee of Defence 2007, p. 71.
  27. 1 2 Egozi, Arie (6 January 2011). "IAI to help India develop unmanned Dhruv". Flight International. Archived from the original on 12 August 2011.
  28. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (7 March 2011). "In Siachen, Dhruv proves a world-beater". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 6 August 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  29. ↑ Waldron, Greg (12 July 2011). "India certifies first Dhruv simulator". Flight International. Archived from the original on 11 August 2011.
  30. ↑ Kristnan M., Anantha (13 August 2010). "India Develops Oxygen System for High-Altitude Helo Flights". Aviation Week.[ dead link ]
  31. ↑ Taylor 1998, p. 298.
  32. 1 2 Datta 2008, p. 14.
  33. ↑ "Lord wins Dhruv active vibration control deal". Flight International . No. 3–9 February 2004. p. 27. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012.
  34. ↑ "Equipment: Dhruv". Indian Army. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  35. ↑ "Indigenous? Dhruv advanced light helicopters are '90% foreign'". The Times of India . 6 August 2010. Archived from the original on 7 July 2012. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  36. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (13 September 2010). "'Indian' Dhruv copter gets Italian makeover". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  37. ↑ Gooptu, Biswarup (1 June 2011). "Hindustan Aeronautics sees spike in light combat helicopter orders". The Economic Times. Archived from the original on 17 April 2018. Retrieved 17 April 2018.
  38. ↑ Group Captain (Retd) Hari Nair (2013). "Lessons learnt from ALH Project" (PDF). Aero India. Archived (PDF) from the original on 7 December 2013. Retrieved 15 July 2013. alternate copy Archived 13 July 2013 at the Wayback Machine .
  39. ↑ Dewan, Neha (25 September 2024). "TimeTooth Technologies bags orders from HAL for Light Combat Helicopters". The Economic Times. ISSN   0013-0389 . Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  40. ↑ "Peru, Ecuador Place Orders for HAL Dhruv ALH Helicopters". India Defence. 29 June 2008. Archived from the original on 10 November 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2011.
  41. ↑ "Dhruv helicopter display in Farnborough Air Show". The Economic Times. 14 July 2008. Archived from the original on 23 May 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  42. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (9 September 2008). "Light Combat Helicopter to fly soon: India's New Helicopters: Part II". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 7 June 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  43. ↑ "HAL's Dhruv gets CCS approval". The Hindu . Chennai, India. 23 December 2007. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012.
  44. 1 2 3 Mishra, Bibhu Ranjan; Bose, Praveen (17 August 2007). "HAL likely to get Rs 420 crore order for air ambulances". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  45. ↑ "Dhruv helicopter set to fly in Siachen" Archived 5 December 2007 at the Wayback Machine , NDTV , 3 September 2007
  46. ↑ "Dhruv clears trials to fly high in Siachen" Archived 30 June 2012 at archive.today , The Times of India , 20 February 2007. Retrieved 8 October 2007.
  47. ↑ "Bangalore ALH pilots fly high", The Times of India, 8 October 2007.
  48. ↑ Rao, Radhakrishna (15 July 2009). "Indian report slams performance of HAL's Dhruv helicopter". Flight International. Archived from the original on 18 July 2009.
  49. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (7 March 2011). "In Siachen, Dhruv proves a world-beater". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 6 August 2011.
  50. ↑ "Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) – Army Technology". Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  51. ↑ Govindasamy, Siva (13 November 2007). "Indian navy opens up utility helicopter requirement". Flight International. Archived from the original on 29 June 2008.
  52. ↑ "Navy has not rejected Dhruv: Defence Minister". Zeenews.com. 22 October 2008. Archived from the original on 27 September 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  53. ↑ "Indian Naval Helicopter ALH Dhruv Gets Foldable Rotors". defenseworld.net. Archived from the original on 6 September 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2016.
  54. ↑ Sakhuja 2011, p. 106.
  55. ↑ "Navy plans to ditch Dhruv helicopters". Hindustan Times. 12 June 2008. Archived from the original on 22 October 2012.
  56. ↑ S. Anandan (11 February 2013). "Navy keen on weaponised Dhruv". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 20 May 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  57. ↑ "ALH squadron adds to Navy's fire power". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 28 December 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  58. ↑ "Our Products". Helicopter Division Bangalore. HAL. Archived from the original on 14 October 2008. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  59. ↑ "Proposed Airworthiness Directive". Directorate General of Civil Aviation. 22 March 2011. Archived from the original on 8 March 2014. Retrieved 28 June 2019.
  60. ↑ Kristnan M., Anantha (24 March 2011). "India DGCA wants all Dhruv Civil Variants Inspected". Aviation Week.[ dead link ]
  61. ↑ "Earthquake in Sikkim: Over 5,000 troops, 9 choppers dispatched to quake-hit areas". The Economic Times. 19 September 2011. Archived from the original on 2 October 2017.
  62. ↑ Gupta, Amit (22 October 2011). "State copter out of action, pilots idle – On 9-month upkeep break". Calcutta, India: Telegraph India. Archived from the original on 25 October 2011.
  63. ↑ "SOS to Centre for MI-17s". Indian Telegraph. Calcutta, India. 19 October 2011. Archived from the original on 24 September 2015.
  64. ↑ Dholabhai, Nishit (20 October 2011). "Glare on chopper operator – Pawan Hans-run copters involved in six accidents this year". Indian Telegraph. Calcutta, India. Archived from the original on 24 October 2011.
  65. ↑ "MHA plans to buy, wet-lease choppers as Dhruv fleet grounded". Hindustan Times. 1 February 2012. Archived from the original on 1 February 2012.
  66. ↑ "HAL making 159 Dhruvs for Indian Army". Business Standard. 1 February 2012. Archived from the original on 6 February 2012.
  67. 1 2 "Happy hours in HAL over Dhruv's Char Dham Op". The New Indian Express. 17 July 2013. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 17 July 2013.
  68. ↑ Kumar, Vinay (20 June 2013). "Dhruv helicopters fly high in Uttarakhand". The Hindu. Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 27 June 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  69. ↑ "How brave, tireless pilots fought to give Uttarakhand a sheltering sky". NDTV. 4 July 2013. Archived from the original on 7 July 2013. Retrieved 5 July 2013.
  70. ↑ Dutta, Sujan; Dholabhai, Nishit (14 July 2013). "Dhruv delivers but doubters persist Copter comes good in hills". The Telegraph. Calcutta, India. Archived from the original on 18 July 2013. Retrieved 15 July 2013.
  71. 1 2 "Advanced light helicopter 'Garuda Vasudha' dedicated to nation". Business Standard. 23 January 2014. Archived from the original on 27 January 2014. Retrieved 23 January 2014.
  72. ↑ "Garuda Vasudha to detect deep-seated mineral deposits in the country". Deccan Herald. 23 January 2014. Archived from the original on 26 January 2014. Retrieved 23 January 2014.
  73. 1 2 "HAL copter to add teeth to GSI mineral search". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 23 January 2014. Archived from the original on 30 January 2014. Retrieved 23 January 2014.
  74. ↑ Egozi, Arie (1 May 2018). "India expands Dhruv cockpit upgrade". Flightglobal.com. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 9 June 2018.
  75. ↑ "Navy and Coast Guard of India receive new Advanced Light Helicopter Mk III". 7 February 2021. Archived from the original on 8 February 2021. Retrieved 8 February 2021.
  76. 1 2 3 Pubby, Manu (30 September 2024). "HAL's advanced light helicopters to join offshore missions of ONGC". The Economic Times. ISSN   0013-0389 . Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  77. ↑ O'Sullivan, Arieh (26 May 2005). "Defense Ministry leases Indian-made chopper to ferry VIPs". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on 31 January 2013.
  78. ↑ Sinha, Rakesha (18 December 2004). "Dhruv to spread wings in Israel fleet this January". The Indian Express.
  79. ↑ "HAL Dhru to Maldives". airforcenews.ru. Archived from the original on 31 March 2012. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  80. ↑ Anandan, S. (15 December 2013). "India donates second naval Advanced Light Helicopter to Maldives". thehindu. Archived from the original on 15 December 2013. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
  81. ↑ "'Threat' to EU-Burma embargo" Archived 11 April 2011 at the Wayback Machine , BBC News, 16 July 2007. Retrieved 8 October 2007.
  82. ↑ "Indian helicopters for Myanmar: making a mockery of the EU arms embargo?". Archived 19 October 2012 at the Wayback Machine Amnesty International, 16 July 2007.
  83. ↑ "Letter to the President of the EU Council of Ministers" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 October 2007.
  84. ↑ Taipei Times, p. 5, 17 July 2007. Quote: A government source who asked not to be named, denied any wrongdoing and said India "does not attach much credence to reports by Amnesty International. India does give defense hardware support to Myanmar but the equipment is not offensive ... and not top of the line technology," said the source, asserting that Myanmar was helping in the battle against insurgents in India's northeast. Another Indian official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the technology concerned was for communications only and not for offensive operations.
  85. 1 2 India to sell 2 Advanced Light Helicopters to Nepal. Islamic Republic News Agency, 11 February 2004.
  86. ↑ "Modi holds strategic talks with Nepal, gifts Bodhi sapling, helicopter". 25 November 2014. Archived from the original on 29 December 2014. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  87. ↑ OuinetAdmin (25 November 2014). "Indian PM Hands Over HAL Dhruv to Nepal". Defense aerospace. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  88. 1 2 Bose, Praveen and Ravi Menon (24 June 2008). "HAL secures copter order from Peru". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2011.
  89. 1 2 3 "HAL in negotiations with S American countries". Business Standard. 16 July 2008. Archived from the original on 17 December 2009. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  90. 1 2 3 Pubby, Manu. "India bags $20 mn helicopter contract" Archived 18 January 2011 at the Wayback Machine . The Indian Express. (online edition). 10 August 2008. Retrieved 30 August 2008.
  91. ↑ Unnithan, Sandeep (14 February 2004). "Getting A Boost". India Today. Archived from the original on 22 August 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  92. ↑ Singh, Jangveer (17 June 2005). "Dhruv, IJT attract buyers in Paris". The Tribune . Archived from the original on 11 June 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  93. ↑ Singh 2008, p. 536.
  94. 1 2 Siddiqui, Huma (15 July 2008). "HAL on a Dhruv ride in LatAm". The Financial Express. Archived from the original on 16 July 2014. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  95. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (24 March 2011). "DRDO looks beyond HAL for Tejas production". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 23 December 2011. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  96. ↑ Gritskova, Alexandra (11 July 2006). "Military Cooperation, Russian MI-17 to Land in India". Kommersant. Archived from the original on 30 March 2012.
  97. ↑ "HAL hopes to see Dhruv copters on Malaysian shopping list". Business Line. 24 December 2004. Archived from the original on 10 August 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  98. ↑ "HAL aircraft to fly in Ecuador skies". Sify . 11 February 2009. Archived from the original on 14 February 2009. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  99. ↑ "Archived copy" (PDF). hal-india.co.in. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 September 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  100. ↑ Franco Jose C. Baroña (28 August 2023). "PH Coast Guard eyes Indian military equipment". Manila Times. Archived from the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  101. ↑ Ray, Kalyan (15 February 2023). "HAL plans to sell Tejas LCA to Argentina and Egypt, but loses Malaysian contract". Deccan Herald. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  102. ↑ Sharma, Ritu (22 May 2024). "Defense Deal Brewing - Philippines Shows Interest In India's Advanced Light Helicopter As Navy Warships Docks At Manila". Latest Asian, Middle-East, EurAsian, Indian News. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  103. ↑ Peri, Dinakar (22 October 2022). "HAL gets enquiries for helicopters from various countries: CMD". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 16 February 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  104. ↑ "India: Taiana visitó las instalaciones de la empresa HAL y firmó una carta de intención para avanzar en la incorporación de helicópteros para las FFAA". Ministry of Defense (Press release) (in Spanish). 20 July 2023. Archived from the original on 20 July 2023. Retrieved 20 July 2023.
  105. ↑ "HAL and Argentine Defence Ministry sign LoI for light and medium utility helicopters". The Hindu . 20 July 2023. Archived from the original on 24 August 2023. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  106. ↑ "Chile inks contract with Bell for 412". Dallas Business Journal. 12 December 2007. Archived from the original on 3 November 2012.
  107. ↑ "Indian Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters Demonstrated to Chilean Air Force, Army, and Naval Aviation units". Israel Aerospace Industries. 25 July 2004. Archived from the original on 23 March 2012.
  108. ↑ "US pressure robs chopper order from Hindustan Aeronautics". The India Times. 4 May 2008. Archived from the original on 30 March 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  109. 1 2 "HAL Bags Order from Ecuador". Pib.nic.in. Archived from the original on 5 June 2011. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  110. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (9 February 2009). "HAL to hand over first export Dhruvs". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 16 March 2010. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  111. ↑ "Ecuador Place Orders for HAL Dhruv ALH Helicopters". Indian Defence. Archived from the original on 10 November 2011. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  112. ↑ "La FAE defiende a los helicópteros Dhruv". Elcomercio.com. 29 July 2011. Archived from the original on 15 October 2011.
  113. ↑ "Ecuador to return 6 Indian Dhruv choppers". OneIndia News. 30 October 2009. Archived from the original on 13 October 2012.
  114. ↑ "Probe finds pilot error caused Dhruv crash in Ecuador". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 15 December 2009. Archived from the original on 2 November 2012.
  115. ↑ Shukla, Ajai (4 February 2011). "HAL plans treat for Aero India". Business Standard. Archived from the original on 5 February 2011.
  116. ↑ "Ecuador grounds fleet of Dhruv choppers after mishaps, cancels contract with HAL." Archived 17 October 2015 at the Wayback Machine Deccan Herald, 16 October 2015.
  117. ↑ "Ecuador cuts Dhruv helicopter contract with HAL after 4 crashes". The Times of India. 16 October 2015. Archived from the original on 6 February 2016.
  118. ↑ Rivas, Santiago (21 October 2016). "Ecuadorian Air Force selling its remaining Dhruv helicopters". IHS Jane's 360. Buenos Aires, Argentina. Retrieved 22 October 2016.
  119. 1 2 Peri, Dinakar (8 March 2016). "16 accidents involving Dhruv helicopters since 2002". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X. Archived from the original on 13 June 2020. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  120. 1 2 "Recurring Accidents and Reliability Concerns: A Report Card on Army's Advanced Light Helicopters". Archived from the original on 29 August 2023. Retrieved 29 August 2023.
  121. ↑ "HAL keen to export Dhruv to Chile". www.rediff.com. Archived from the original on 30 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  122. 1 2 "HAL sells 3 choppers to ONGC for Rs 100 cr". Rediff. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  123. 1 2 3 4 OuinetAdmin (27 June 2005). "HAL Wins 3 Orders for Dhruv Helicopter (Jun 28)". Defense aerospace. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  124. 1 2 3 "HAL delivers Dhruv to Jharkhand". The Hindu . Chennai, India. 3 September 2007. Archived from the original on 10 November 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  125. ↑ "NDMA to get 12 ALHs". Deccan Herald. 20 January 2007. Archived from the original on 4 October 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  126. 1 2 Pubby, Manu (10 August 2008). "India bags $20 mn helicopter contract". The Indian Express. Archived from the original on 19 October 2016. Retrieved 21 August 2011.
  127. ↑ "Indian navy and coast guard order 32 Dhruv helicopters". Flight Global. Archived from the original on 30 September 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2024.
  128. ↑ "Media Releases". www.hal-india.com. Archived from the original on 4 September 2017. Retrieved 4 September 2017.
  129. ↑ "HAL delivers 16th ALH Mk-III helicopters to Indian Coast Guard, receives letter of intent for 9 more". The Indian Express. 15 November 2022. Archived from the original on 16 November 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2022.
  130. ↑ Siddiqui, Huma (14 March 2024). "MoD signs contracts worth Rs 8073 Cr with HAL for 34 ALH Dhruv Mk III Helicopters". Financialexpress. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  131. 1 2 "DAC approves 05 capital acquisition proposals worth Rs. 21,772 Crores to augment defence preparedness". Press Information Bureau . 3 December 2024. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
  132. ↑ "Centre clears 5 acquisition deals to improve India's defence preparedness". India Today. 3 December 2024. Retrieved 4 December 2024.
  133. 1 2 Hirschberg 2011, p. 50.
  134. 1 2 3 "HAL – Hindustan Aeronautics Limited". hal-india.co.in. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  135. 1 2 "Dhruv – Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)". IDP Sentinel. Archived from the original on 14 June 2013. Retrieved 15 June 2013.
  136. ↑ "HAL To Deliver More Dhruv Mk. 3 Helicopters". Aviation week. 7 March 2011. Retrieved 6 September 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  137. ↑ "Dhruv MkIII Inducted into Indian Air Force". DefenceNow. 9 February 2012. Archived from the original on 12 February 2012.
  138. ↑ "'Aatmanirbhar defence' expands as Coast Guard commissions made-in-India ALH Dhruv Mark III helicopters". Hindustan Times. 28 June 2022. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  139. ↑ "Indian Navy inducts three ALH MK III helicopters". 9 June 2021. Archived from the original on 28 March 2023.
  140. ↑ "YEAR-END REVIEW – 2010 DRDO". Press Information Bureau. Archived from the original on 15 December 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  141. ↑ Hirschberg 2011, p. 51.
  142. ↑ "DAC Approves Procurement for Services amounting to Nearly Rs. 46,000 Crores". Press Information Bureau . 25 August 2018. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  143. ↑ "Landmark policy decision to indigenise 101 more weapons and platforms to speed up 'Aatmanirbharta' in Defence". Press Information Bureau . 7 April 2022. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  144. ↑ Peri, Dinakar (14 April 2022). "Navy to get variants of indigenous helicopters". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  145. ↑ Sharma, Sheenu (15 April 2022). "Indian Navy working with HAL to develop 50 UH (Marine) choppers for warship requirements". India TV News. Archived from the original on 24 August 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  146. ↑ ANI (15 April 2022). "Navy working with HAL to develop 50 UH (Marine) choppers for warship requirements". ThePrint. Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  147. ↑ "Maiden Flight of ALH–Dhruv (Wheeled Version)". www.spsnavalforces.com. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  148. ↑ @Defencematrix1 (17 March 2023). "ALH Dhruv as NUH for Navy should be different from ALH Dhruv MR, it should have an easy 4-blade folding mechanism, which is already under works (Photo Below), Tail boom folding has been demonstrated too, rest two things are AshM and Torpedo firing capabilities" (Tweet). Retrieved 21 October 2024– via Twitter.
  149. ↑ "Defence Acquisition Council approves proposals worth Rs 70,500 crore for the Armed Forces & Indian Coast Guard under Buy (Indian-IDDM) category". pib.gov.in. 16 March 2023. Archived from the original on 13 August 2023. Retrieved 16 March 2023.
  150. ↑ Pubby, Manu (20 October 2024). "Indigenous marine utility copter set to fly by May next year". The Economic Times. ISSN   0013-0389 . Retrieved 21 October 2024.
  151. 1 2 3 DGCA Type Certificate Data Sheet No, 5-8/96-RD Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine
  152. 1 2 "India joins elite club with heliborne geo-survey capability". The Times of India. 23 January 2014. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  153. ↑ "Helmets, I-card recovered from Army chopper crash site, pilots missing". Hindustan Times. 3 August 2021. Archived from the original on 4 August 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  154. ↑ Ranter, Harro. "Incident HAL Dhruv, 03 Aug 2021". aviation-safety.net. Archived from the original on 4 August 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  155. ↑ "Army Helicopter Crashes Near Ranjit Sagar Dam in Pathankot, Rescue Operations Underway". News18. 3 August 2021. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  156. ↑ "1 pilot killed, another seriously injured as Army helicopter crash lands in J-K". Hindustan Times. 25 January 2021. Archived from the original on 25 January 2021. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  157. ↑ Bhat, Sunil (25 January 2021). "Indian Army helicopter crashes in J&K's Kathua district, 1 pilot dead, another critical". India Today. Archived from the original on 11 September 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2021.
  158. ↑ "3 rescued as Navy chopper makes emergency landing off Mumbai". rediff.com. Archived from the original on 30 July 2023.
  159. ↑ Outlook India [ dead link ]
  160. ↑ "Indian Coast Guard helicopter ALH Dhruv crashes on runway of Kochi airport, no casualties reported; video surfaces". Archived from the original on 26 March 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2023.
  161. ↑ "Coast Guard's ALH Dhruv Helicopter Crashes Near Kochi Airport, Runway Closed". Zee News. 26 March 2023. Archived from the original on 24 August 2023. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
  162. ↑ "India's Dhruv chopper needs critical safety upgrade: Panel". Hindustan Times. 9 May 2023. Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
  163. ↑ Singh, Rahul (4 June 2024). "Entire Dhruv fleet set to get key safety upgrade by end of month". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
  164. ↑ "Coast Guard ALH ditches into Arabian Sea, 3 missing". Hindustan Times. 3 September 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  165. 1 2 "Two dead, one missing after coast guard helicopter goes down in Arabian Sea". Hindustan Times. 4 September 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  166. ↑ "Indian Coast Guard and Navy assets intensify search for helicopter captain". WION. 5 September 2024. Retrieved 6 September 2024.
  167. ↑ Kshatriya, Dilip Singh (11 October 2024). "Body of missing Coast Guard pilot found over a month after helicopter crash near Gujarat". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 13 October 2024.
  168. ↑ "IAF Chopper Air-Dropping Relief Material Makes Forced Landing In Bihar". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  169. ↑ Kumar, Avinash (2 October 2024). "Bihar: IAF chopper on flood relief work makes emergency landing in flooded area". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
  170. 1 2 3 Hoyle, Craig (2023). "World Air Forces 2024". FlightGlobal . Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  171. ↑ "Army Chief says LCH good for high altitude; Army to procure 95 of them". Financialexpress. 15 February 2023. Retrieved 16 February 2024.
  172. ↑ Team, IADN Editorial (25 May 2024). "HAL delivers Dhruv helicopters to Army within 2 weeks of contract signing - IADN". - IADN. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  173. 1 2 "MoD signs contracts worth Rs 8073 Cr with HAL for acquisition of 34 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv Mk III for Indian Army & Indian Coast Guard". pib.gov.in. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  174. ↑ "Army Clears Grounded 'Dhruv' Chopper Fleet For Flight, But Conditions Apply". NDTV.com. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  175. ↑ "Indian Coast Guard Advanced Light Helicopter Mk-III squadron, 840 Sqn (CG), commissioned in Chennai". www.pib.gov.in. Retrieved 13 August 2023.
  176. ↑ "BSF gets Rs 360 crore for raising 29 new battalions". Livemint.com. 20 May 2009. Archived from the original on 6 June 2009. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  177. ↑ "Israeli MOD Inducts Dhruv". The Times of India. indiatimes.com. 3 September 2007. Archived from the original on 7 November 2015. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
  178. ↑ syndication (8 February 2024). "Indian troops in Maldives will be replaced by 'competent Indian technical personnel': MEA". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  179. ↑ "HAL workers may replace military staff in Maldives". The Times of India. 9 February 2024. ISSN   0971-8257 . Retrieved 7 March 2024.
  180. ↑ "La police s'équipe d'un nouvel hélicoptère". Archived from the original on 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  181. ↑ "World Air Forces 2014" (PDF). Flightglobal Insight. 2014. Archived (PDF) from the original on 25 December 2013. Retrieved 5 September 2014.
  182. ↑ "Ecuador cuts Dhruv helicopter contract with HAL after 4 crashes". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 6 February 2016. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  183. ↑ "Ecuador cancels deal with HAL for 'crash-prone' Dhruv". The Times of India. 17 October 2015. Archived from the original on 7 February 2016. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  184. 1 2 "HAL dhruv gets ccs approval". The Hindu . Chennai, India. 23 December 2007. Archived from the original on 7 November 2012. Retrieved 12 February 2013.
  185. ↑ Jackson, Paul; Peacock, Lindsay; Bushell, Susan; Willis, David; Winchester, Jim, eds. (2016–2017). "India". IHS Jane's All the World's Aircraft: Development & Production. Couldson. pp. 307–308. ISBN   978-0710631770.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  186. ↑ "NAVY-DHRUV SPAT: Let's Stop Fighting, HAL Test Pilot Says". LiveFist. 11 June 2020. Archived from the original on 11 June 2020. Retrieved 11 June 2020.
  187. ↑ Luthra, Gulshan; Rai, Ranjit (September 2011). "IAF: ALH touches 20,000 feet and Cheetal 23,000". India Strategic. Archived from the original on 7 October 2011. Retrieved 6 October 2011.
Bibliography
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.