Weaponised helicopter Dhruvs flight was a proud moment for HAL

The Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has begun the test flight of the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv with new engines and weapons fitted in it.

Bangalore, Aug 17 : The Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has begun the test flight of the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Dhruv with new engines and weapons fitted in it.

The armed version of Dhruv helicopter fitted with rockets and a 20mm gun is being powered by new Shakti engine that is 30 per cent more powerful than Turbomeca's TM332-2B2 engines, which are presently used in the choppers.

The test flights of the weaponised version of Dhruv are being presently carried out in Bangalore at sea-level and at high altitudes level. The hot weather desert trials and cold weather trials will follow this.

"This is a significant beginning and we are looking forward for large scale orders form the country's defence forces," said Ashok K Baweja , Chairman HAL.

The "fire and forget" air-to-air missiles will be in addition to 70mm rockets and 20mm gun turret that are fitted with the new version of ALH.

So far, Dhruv has been used for ferrying troops or during rescue missions, but now with weapons and new engines that would increase the payload capability of the choppers by 150 percent, the indigenous ALH is expected to contribute significantly in operations and ground support to forces.

"The pilot will have new systems like electronic warfare, ground proximity approach systems, missile warning, laser warning to make it more lethal for our military services," Baweja added.

He also said that the HAL would be setting up a pilot training school in association with CAE, Canada.

The 55-million dollar pilot training school in Bangalore will be operational in September next year.

ANI