HAL Dhruv

With a proven track record and established technology for manufacture of helicopters and its components, the Helicopter Division commenced series production of Dhruv (Advanced Light Helicopter) in 2000 – 2001. The ALH is a multi-role, multi-mission helicopter in 5.5 ton class, fully designed and developed by HAL. Built to FAR 29 specifications, Dhruv is designed to meet the requirement of both military and civil operators.

The HAL Dhruv is a multi-role helicopter developed and manufactured by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is being supplied to the Indian Armed Forces, and a civilian variant is also available. The helicopter was first exported to Nepal and Israel, and is on order by several other countries for both military and commercial uses. Military versions in production are for transport, utility, reconnaissance and MedEvac roles.

Deliveries of the Dhruv commenced in 2002, a full ten years after the prototype’s first flight, and nearly twenty years after the programme was initiated. The Indian Coast Guard became the first service to bring Dhruv helicopters into service. This was followed by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force. Seventy five Dhruvs were delivered to the Indian armed forces by 2007 and the plan is to produce forty helicopters yearly. One of only three helicopter display teams in the world, the Sarang aerobatic display team of the Indian Air Force performs with four Dhruv helicopters.

The Dhruv is capable of flying at high altitudes, a crucial requirement for the Army, which requires helicopters for operations in Siachen Glacier and Kashmir. In September 2007, the Dhruv was cleared for high-altitude flying in the Siachen Sector after six-month long trials. . In October 2007, a Dhruv flew to an altitude of 27,500 feet (8,400 m) ASL in Siachen. This was the highest that the Dhruv had flown, and was higher than the 25,000 feet (7,600 m) record set by an IAF Cheetah helicopter in 2005^.

A further order for 166 helicopters were placed with HAL since the helicopter is working well in higher altitude areas with the Indian Army The Armed Forces may order 12 ambulances versions for use by the Armed Forces Medical Services for MEDEVAC operations . HAL Dhruv ambulances will have all the emergency medical equipment for the treatment of injured soldiers

In June 2008, the Hindustan Times reported that the Indian Navy had decided against placing further orders for the Dhruv Naval variant, stating it has failed to meet basic operational requirements. However these rumours were put to rest by the recent comments of the defence minister who stated in the parliament that the navy had not rejected the dhruv as eight Dhruv helicopters are already operating in the Utility role. The Anti-submarine version will not be inducted since it did not suit the requirements of the Indian Navy in anti-submarine role.

Hindustan’s Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program was first announced in November 1984,the ALHwas designed with assistance from MBB in Germany. The twin 1000 shp Turbomeca TM333-2B turboshafts are mounted above the cabin and drive a four-blade composite main rotor. The ALH makes use of an advanced integrated dynamic system which combines several rotor control features into an integrated module. The civil prototype ALH (Z-3182) first flew on 23 August 1992, at Bangalore, followed by a second civil aircraft (Z-3183), an Army version (Z-3268) and a navalised prototype (N.901) with Allied Signal CTS800 engines and a retractable tricycle undercarriage.Even after the first prototype flew in August 1992, problems arose due to the changing demands of the Indian military, funding, and contractual issues with Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm, which was the consultant for design. Further delay was caused by U.S. sanctions after Indian nuclear tests in 1998, which embargoed the engine originally intended to power the helicopter. Then the helicopter used Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 turboshaft producing 746 kW (1000 shp) each and an agreement was signed with Turbomeca to develop a more powerful engine.

HAL is also developing the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) based on the Dhruv platform for the Indian Armed Forces. It will have stub wings fitted to carry up to eight anti-armour missiles, four air-to-air missiles or four rocket pods for 70mm and 68mm rockets. The LCH will also have FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared), CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera and a target acquisition system with thermal sight and laser rangefinder.

Recent versions of the Dhruv entering production use the more powerful Shakti engine developed jointly by HAL and Turbomeca. The first test flight of the Dhruv with the new engine and the weaponised version took place on 16 August 2007.

Major Features

• Designed to perform both utility and attack roles
  

• Twin engine  configuration which allows continued flight virtually throughout the flight envelope
  

• Incorporates a number of advanced technologies – Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) , Anti-resonance Vibration Isolation System (ARIS) , Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) , Hingeless Main Rotor, Bearingless Tail Rotor and Automatic Flight Control System
  

• 7 Dhruv Helicopters were delivered to Indian Defence Forces in 2000-2001