ALH Dhruv helicopters

March 11, 2023

The defence forces have halted the operations of the ALH Dhruv helicopters till the time investigators find the reason behind the accident that took place off the Mumbai coast recently.

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 air.
    • It has a dedicated Electronic Warfare suite for self-protection.
    • Its countermeasures suite can include: radar and missile detectors, infrared jammer, chaff and flare dispensers.