ALH Dhruv Helicopters

About ALH Dhruv helicopters:

• Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv is a multi-role and multi-mission light utility helicopter in the 5.5-ton weight class, intended for both military and civil operators.
• It is developed indigenously by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• The ALH choppers are operated by all three Indian defense forces, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with the Indian Coast Guard.
• The major variants of Dhruv are classified as Dhruv Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III & Mk-IV. 
• Exported countries: Bolivia, Myanmar, Israel, Maldives, and Nepal.
• The Mk-IV version of the HAL ALG Dhruv helicopter is the Armed variant for Attack, Close Air Support, and High altitude operations.
• Features of Dhruv Mk-IV:
  • It is also called ALH Rudra and can carry a 20 mm Turret Gun, 70 mm Rocket, and Air to Air missiles.
  • It has a twin-engine configuration allowing continued flight virtually throughout the flight envelope. 
  • It has a maximum take-off weight of 5800 kg and a range of 590 km.
  • ALH Mk-IV has a rigid rotor design making it aggressively maneuverable in the air.
  • It has a dedicated Electronic Warfare suite for self-protection.
  • Its countermeasures suite can include radar and missile detectors, infrared jammers, chaff, and flare dispensers.

 

---

Q1) What is Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)?

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is an Indian state-owned aerospace and defence company under Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India, headquartered in Bangalore.

Source: Defence forces halt ALH Dhruv fleet operations in wake of Navy accident