77-600: 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. Dhruv entered service in 2002. It
154-544: 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. Egypt : Egypt stated in 2022 that it was interested in acquiring the ALH. Argentina : The Argentinian Ministry of Defense signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to procure the Dhruv for
231-688: A $ 1.1 billion contract with India to install three EL/W-2090 AWACS systems on Russian-made Ilyushin Il-76 transports, which are based in part on IAI's earlier EL/M-2075 Phalcon platform which was developed in the 1990s. In the late 2000s IAI developed the follow-on EL/W-2085 system which is installed on heavily modified Gulfstream G550 aircraft and which besides serving in the IAF were also sold to Singapore and Italy. On 6 November 2006, IAI changed its corporate name from "Israel Aircraft Industries Ltd." to "Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd."; to more accurately reflect
308-464: A broad spectrum of task. Common applications for civilian utility include traffic surveillance, medical evacuations , news coverage, and search and rescue missions. Recently, usage has been extended to air evacuations , air and water pollution control, emergency cargo transportation (including blood, organs, and special equipment), and as helitankers in aerial firefighting . Traditionally, helicopters with three placed reciprocating engines , such as
385-462: 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. In April 2007, a report published by the Indian Committee of Defence noted
462-487: A crucial role in military operations by providing defensive capabilities in scenarios of evacuation and cargo transportation, as well as offensive roles in fire support and surveillance. Their ability to adapt to different mission requirements contribute significantly to the success of military objectives . Israel Aerospace Industries Israel Aerospace Industries ( Hebrew : התעשייה האווירית לישראל , romanized : ha-ta'asiya ha-avirit le-yisra'el ),
539-479: A few accidents have not caused any fatalities. 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
616-510: A major crash. 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. 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
693-529: 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. 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
770-508: A number of advanced technologies that IAI was able to market. By 1989 IAI posted a profit of $ 11.8 million on sales of $ 1.28 billion. The company had four divisions—Aircraft, Aviation, Electronics, and Technologies—and 17 factories. IAI was established as a world leader in upgrading aircraft. Planes such as the Vietnam-era McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II were modernized with advanced avionics and weaponry. In
847-457: 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. Following the 2011 Sikkim earthquake , four Dhruvs conducted rescue operations. 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
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#1732851985887924-662: A training camp at Tel Azia, in Lebanon . The only air victory claimed by a Kfir during its service with the IAF occurred on 27 June 1979 when a Kfir C.2 shot down a Syrian MiG-21 . The IAI Kfir has been exported to Colombia , Ecuador , Sri Lanka and was leased to the US Navy and the US Marine Corps from 1985 to 1989, to act as adversary aircraft in dissimilar air combat training . In 1969 IAI acquired North American Rockwell 's Jet Commander series of business aircraft. This became
1001-559: Is Israel 's major aerospace and aviation manufacturer, producing aerial and astronautic systems for both military and civilian usage. It has 14,000 employees as of 2021. IAI is state-owned by the government of Israel. IAI designs, develops, produces and maintains civil aircraft, drones , fighter aircraft , missile , avionics , and space-based systems. IAI's main focus is engineering, aviation and high-tech electronics, though it also manufactures military systems for ground and naval forces. Many of these products are centered on
1078-637: Is a member of the prestigious Trace International and Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics (SCCE) organizations and recognized in the Transparency International April 2015 report to be in the top third of worldwide defense companies for its ethics and anti-corruption programs. In April 2018, IAI systems were observed in a film made by the Azerbaijan Army , specifically the IAI Harop loitering munition system, resulting in criticism from
1155-682: Is also being evaluated by the Indonesian Army. 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. It is reported that that the PCG is looking at the Dhruv ALH. 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
1232-491: Is also being planned in order to tap the large civilian market there. 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. South America : HAL has reportedly been negotiating with Bolivia for five Dhruvs; and with Venezuela for up to seven. Southeast Asia : The Dhruv has also been offered to Malaysia, while it
1309-526: 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. In 2005, following
1386-556: Is an attack variant designed for the Indian Army. Development was sanctioned in December 1998 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. The Dhruv-WSI is to be capable of conducting combat air support (CAS) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) roles as well. In addition to the Dhruv-WSI, HAL
1463-499: Is based at Addu Atoll and the second will be based at Hanimaadhoo . 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. The Indian government disputed Amnesty's claims and denied any wrongdoing. Nepal : In early 2004,
1540-625: 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. The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program for an indigenous 5-ton multirole helicopter
1617-680: Is to replace the Navy's ageing Chetak fleet. The Indian Navy is to place an order of at least 50 helicopters in the first phase. 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. By March 2023, tail boom folding has been demonstrated. Reportedly, the UH-M will also showcase anti-ship missile and torpedo firing capability. On 16 March 2023,
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#17328519858871694-580: The 47G Series and the Hughes 300C were the primary choices for civilian use. However, the preference has been shifted towards turbine engines . The FH-100 and the Bell 206A JetRanger are examples of turbine engine helicopters which have proven to be more effective in operational scenarios. The arising issue with civilian use helicopters is the price tag of the turbine engine helicopters. With initial cost being around $ 100,000, difficulties are posed when budgeting for
1771-626: The Armed Forces of the Argentine Republic on July 20, 2023. 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 , although there were media accusations of unfair pressure being exercised by the US Government to favour Bell. HAL has secured an order from
1848-858: The Armenian government concerning the supply of Israeli arms to the Azeri army. In 2019, IAI sells drone defense systems to governments to be placed in sensitive areas such as borders, army bases, or power plans, and provides equipment to shoot down military drones as well. It also sells to clients such as airports looking to protect against consumer drones. IAI in 2019 is Israel’s major aerospace and defense manufacturer. It released its Popstar system in September 2019, which "can detect and track drones up to 4 km away in day or night". IAI advised customers in December 2019 not to fly some Boeing 737 freighters it had converted, after IAI said it detected an "apparent irregularity" in
1925-524: 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. The Indian Air Force 's Sarang aerobatic display team performs using 4 Dhruv helicopters. On 23 December 2007, a further order of 159 helicopters, worth ₹ 14,000 crore (equivalent to ₹ 420 billion or US$ 5.1 billion in 2023), for
2002-691: 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 . Five helicopters were delivered in February 2009, during Aero India 2009. Both the Ecuadorian Army and Ecuadorian Navy have since expressed interest in the Dhruvs. The Dhruv has been involved in search and rescue, transport, and MEDEVAC missions in
2079-629: The Elta Electronics Industries subsidiary developed an inexpensive aircraft radar which would become a successful export item. In the 1970s IAI developed the Dabur class patrol boat . In the 1970s IAI also entered the Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) market with the development of the IAI Scout . In 1984, IAI formed a joint venture with rival Israeli company Tadiran to market both companies' UAV's,
2156-713: The IAI Arava short take-off and landing transport aircraft, first flew in 1969 after three years of development. In response to the French embargo , IAI began developing its own fighter aircraft, a derivative of the Mirage 5 called the IAI Nesher ("hawk"), in 1968. The Nesher entered service in 1971, in time for the Yom Kippur War . The Nesher was followed by the IAI Kfir ("lion cub"), which
2233-598: The Israeli Defense Ministry in 2004; IAI has also made use of the Defense Ministry's Dhruv for marketing and public relations purposes. Maldives : In April 2010, the Indian Navy gifted a Dhruv to the Maldives National Defence Force for conducting search and rescue and medical evacuation, while a second Mk.III equipped with a weather radar was donated in December 2013. The first helicopter
2310-609: The Leh -based 205 Aviation Squadron on 7 February 2011 during a ceremony at HAL's Helicopter Division. 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 . Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL) has been developing an oxygen life-support system to improve
2387-614: The Tadiran Mastiff and the IAI Scout . By 1980s the original Bedek maintenance business was conducting extensive overhauls on dozens of different aircraft types, working on engines as well as airframes and interiors, IAI could provide more comprehensive refurbishments than even the aircraft manufacturers themselves. The unit had 4,000 employees by the mid-1980s and overhauled a huge range of aircraft, from propeller-driven trainers to airliners; including big civil aviation programs, such as conversion of Boeing 747s to freighters. In 1980
HAL Dhruv - Misplaced Pages Continue
2464-719: The 1990s IAI entered the space race with the AMOS communications satellites , Ofeq observation satellites and the Shavit space launcher. In December 1997, the IAI Galaxy , a business jet with an intercontinental range developed as a joint venture Galaxy Aerospace with the Hyatt Corporation , made its first flight and entered service in 2000. In May 2001, General Dynamics' Gulfstream Aerospace bought IAI's Galaxy Aerospace Co. L.P. unit for $ 330 million, although IAI continues to perform most of
2541-455: 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. Israel : A civilian Dhruv was leased to
2618-641: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) approved the Utility Helicopter-Maritime programme for the Indian Navy. Utility helicopter A utility helicopter is a multi-purpose helicopter capable of pursuing a wide array of tasks. They have proven useful in both civilian and military operations, with versatility being their defining trait. Helicopters play a crucial role in various aspects of civilian safety. Police and fire rescue aircraft demonstrate exceptional versatility across
2695-404: The Dhruv as one of four "focus areas" identified as having high export potential. 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. The first five production Dhruv Mk III, powered by the more powerful Shakti-1H engine, were delivered to
2772-422: The Dhruv fleet is to be replaced. In February 2012, HAL reported that the Indian Army and Air Force had ordered a further 159 units of Dhruv helicopters. 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
2849-565: The Dhruv for maritime surveillance and search and rescue roles, 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." In 2013, the Indian Navy was reportedly interested in the HAL Rudra , the armed version of the Dhruv. On 12 November 2013, the Indian Navy commissioned their first Dhruv squadron ( INAS 322 , Guardians); Vice Admiral Sinha stated that "In
2926-561: The Dhruv, IAI has also helped develop new avionics and a glass cockpit for newer variants of the Dhruv. 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. Flight certification for Europe and North America
3003-414: The Dhruv, as well as avionics for day-and-night flight observation. 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". In September 2010, it
3080-447: The EAF were reported to be satisfied with the Dhruv's performance and was considering further orders. By October 2015, a total of four Ecuadorian Dhruvs had crashed reportedly due to mechanical equipment and Ecuador grounded the type. In October 2015 Ecuador cancelled the contract and withdrew the surviving helicopters from service, non-delivery of parts and high accident rate were cited. In 2016,
3157-706: 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. The Government of Ecuador had unilaterally terminated the contract with HAL citing safety concerns of the helicopters. A HAL spokesman said that while maintenance
HAL Dhruv - Misplaced Pages Continue
3234-509: The Egyptian front during the first day of the war, when Israel's more capable combat aircraft were deployed against Arab air bases and aircraft. They were then deployed against Jordanian forces, including armour, on the West Bank . The Magister proved effective at the close-support mission albeit with heavy casualties, with six being lost. The first aircraft to be fully designed and built by IAI,
3311-624: The Government of Israel decided to use the experience IAI had accumulated to develop and manufacture a modern fighter plane to be the mainstay of the Israel Air Force . The aircraft, called the IAI Lavi , was to be a superior attack aircraft with advanced weapons systems. It had its rollout in July 1986 and successful maiden flight in December 1986. In August 1987, after extensive government deliberations,
3388-609: The HGSS can conduct magnetic, spectrometric and gravity surveys. 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. On February 5, 2021, the Indian Navy tweeted that it has received the Advanced Light Helicopter MK III (MR) alongside the Indian Coast Guard. In February 2021, HAL announced that it had rolled out
3465-830: The IDS in Italy in order to isolate the problem with the early testing of the Dhruv subsequently being criticized as "rushed". 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. 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
3542-624: The Indian Army and Air Force was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS). By 2007, Indian Air Force operationalised two ALH squadrons in Yelehanka AFS in Bengaluru and Sarsawa AFS . 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
3619-440: 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. 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. The Navy has considered
3696-511: 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
3773-564: 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". Civil Dhruv variants are produced for transport, rescue, policing, offshore operations, air-ambulance, and other roles. 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. In March 2011, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation released
3850-556: The TM333 engine. As a consequence the Army had to continue relying on the older Cheetah/Cheetal helicopters to meet the shortfall. 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. The Indian Army received the first batch of Dhruv Mk.3s during Aero India 2011. In October 2008, Defence Minister A. K. Antony announced that
3927-427: The assembly and development of the jets which are marketed by Gulfstream. In 2003, Israel Aircraft Industries attempted to enter the VLJ ( very light jet ) Market by launching the Avocet ProJet , a 6–8 seat high utilization air taxi with a list price almost half the cost of the least expensive business jet available at that time. In early 2006, ProJet development stalled after a major undisclosed US OEM pulled out of
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#17328519858874004-433: The basis for the IAI Westwind line. Work on an improved Westwind – named the Astra – began in the late 1970s by stretching the fuselage and designing a new swept wing, with the first prototype flight occurring on 19 March 1984. The first production Astra flew on 20 March 1985, FAA certification came on 29 August 1985 and customer deliveries started in 1986. In the 1960s, IAI developed the Gabriel anti-ship missile and
4081-415: The company's founder and first president. In 1959 Bedek began manufacturing its first aircraft, a V-tailed twinjet trainer of French design, the Fouga CM.170 Magister , locally called Tzukit ( monticola ). The Tzukit became the Israeli Air Force principal trainer for 50 years. The IAI Tzukit was also used in the 1967 Six-Day War by 147 Squadron as a close support aircraft, attacking targets on
4158-448: The company. In January 2012, IAI announced a sale of $ 1.1 billion of defense systems to an Asian country. The deal has been signed but the company did not name the buyer. It was reported that the sale will include IAI aircraft, missiles and intelligence technologies. On 4 September 2012, the Gulfstream G280 , a new twin-engine business jet built by IAI, received full certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). IAI
4235-435: The core needs of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Other offerings are marketed to numerous foreign militaries. Israel Aerospace Industries was founded in 1953 as Bedek Aviation Company under the initiative of Shimon Peres , then director general of the Ministry of Defense, in order to maintain Israel Defense Forces aircraft. The company originally had 70 employees and recruited American born aviation expert Al Schwimmer as
4312-424: The current scope of the firm's business activities, which includes not just aircraft, but also systems, satellites and launchers, as well as maritime and ground systems. On 13 April 2009, the Moscow Times reported that the Russian Defense Ministry had signed an agreement with Israel Aerospace to purchase $ 50 million in pilotless drone aircraft. The contract reportedly includes three types of UAVs manufactured by
4389-505: The deal was included in the third "positive indigenisation list". 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
4466-427: The decision was made (by one vote) to cancel the Lavi program, due to the questioning of Israel's economic ability to support the cost of such an extensive program. This led to a serious crisis at IAI which necessitated a major reorganization of the company's structure and business strategy; the company's work force of more than 22,000 people was cut by 5,500 in 1988. However, the Lavi program was credited with developing
4543-440: The first foreign order for the Dhruv was placed by Nepal for two examples. In November 2014, India gifted another Dhruv to Nepali Army as part of a strategic pact. Peru : In June 2008, the government of Peru ordered two air ambulance Dhruvs for use by the Peruvian Health Services. 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
4620-489: 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. IAI has also developed targeting systems and an electronic warfare suite for
4697-455: The helicopter's high-altitude performance, and as of August 2010 the IAF has ordered development of this system for the Dhruv. 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. It has been reported that the unique carbon fibre composite developed by HAL reduced the helicopter's weight by 50 percent. The high tail boom allows easy access to
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#17328519858874774-446: The helicopters for use in the medical assistance role. 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, and has been displaying the Dhruv at air shows, including Farnborough and Paris in order to market the Dhruv. HAL had entered into a partnership with Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) to develop and promote
4851-576: The necessary modifications. Such modifications include night vision capabilities , infrared , and radar . In military terms, a utility helicopter is an aircraft designed to transport troops, but is versatile in performing various combat roles. These tasks include command and control , logistics, casualty evacuation, and fire support . The defining characteristics of these helicopters are lightweight frames capable of quick maneuvers , and space, for transporting troops and cargo. Common types of cargo include ammunition, weapons, and food. These aircraft play
4928-433: The north of the country. 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; 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. In February 2011,
5005-422: The private company itself. The production order value is expected to exceed $ 5 million within the 5-year period. 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. 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
5082-421: The program due to unspecified reasons. The company was working with the Aviation Technology Group on a military trainer version of the ATG Javelin , a fighter style personal jet. The version being developed would have competed against a large field of jet trainers at a much lower cost of acquisition and maintenance. ATG halted development of the Javelin in 2008 due to a lack of funds. In March 2004 IAI signed
5159-459: The programme was set at ₹ 21,000 crore (equivalent to ₹ 280 billion or US$ 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. According to a report in April 2022, the Expression of Interest (EoI) to OEMs and Strategic Partners were issued in February 2019. However,
5236-531: 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. 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. The cockpit section of
5313-429: The same time a weight-reduction programme was initiated. 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 . The Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 turboshaft engine
5390-504: The then-Indian Vice President K R Narayanan in attendance. 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. Development problems arose due to changing military demands and a funding shortfall in the wake of the 1991 Indian economic crisis . Naval testing on board INS Viraat and other ships started in March 1998, and around
5467-401: Was cleared for high-altitude flying in the Siachen Sector after six months of trials. In October 2007, a Dhruv Mk.3 flew to an altitude of 27,500 feet (8,400 m) ASL in Siachen. 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
5544-573: Was developed as a result of Israel's need for adapting the Dassault Mirage III to the specific requirements of the Israeli Air Force. The Kfir entered service with the IAF in 1975, the first units being assigned to the 101st "First Fighter" Squadron . Over the following years, several other squadrons were also equipped with the new aircraft. The Kfir's first recorded combat action took place on 9 November 1977, during an Israeli air strike on
5621-503: Was initiated in May 1979 by the Indian Air Force and Indian Naval Air Arm . HAL were given a contract by the Indian government in 1984 to develop the helicopter; Germany's Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) were contracted in July 1984 as a design consultant and collaborative partner on the programme. Although originally scheduled to fly in 1989, the first prototype ALH (Z-3182) made its maiden flight on 20 August 1992 at Bangalore with
5698-523: Was praised. 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. 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),
5775-490: 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, 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
5852-608: Was selected as a replacement; in addition, Turbomeca agreed to co-develop a more powerful engine with HAL, originally known as the Ardiden . Turbomeca also assisted in the development of the helicopter; stress analysis and studies of rotor dynamics were conducted in France. The first flight of Dhruv with the new engine variant, called the Shakti , took place on 16 August 2007. The HAL Rudra , earlier known as Dhruv-WSI ( Weapons Systems Integrated ),
5929-458: 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. Quito declined further assistance. 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. Has additional equipment such as
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