HAL Dhruv
939620
226068015
2008-07-16T18:07:39Z
MilborneOne
793681
/* Military service */ add image
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox Aircraft
|name= Dhruv
|image= Image:Dhruv Sarang.jpg
|caption= A Dhruv of the IAF Sarang aerobatic display team
|type= [[Utility helicopter]]
|manufacturer= [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]]
|designer= <!--only appropriate for individuals, not for project leaders or a company or corporation-->
|first flight= 1992
|introduced= 2002
|retired=
|status= Active
|primary user= [[Indian Army]]
|more users= [[Indian Air Force]] <br/>[[Indian Navy]] <br/>[[Nepalese Army Air Service]] <!-- Per [[WP:AIR/PC]] Page Content guidelines, this field is limited to Only THREE "more users". Separate users with <br/>. -->
|produced= 80+166 on order<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Forces_look_for_more_armour_may_shell_out_Rs_15_crore/articleshow/2939267.cms Forces look for more armour, may shell out Rs 15 crore]</ref>
|number built=
|unit cost=Rs 30-35 crore (basic)
|developed from =
|variants with their own articles= [[HAL Light Combat Helicopter]]
}}
The '''HAL ''Dhruv''''' ([[Sanskrit language|Sanskrit]]: "[[Pole Star]]") is a [[Utility helicopter|multi-role]] [[helicopter]] developed and manufactured by [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL). It is currently being supplied to the [[Indian Armed Forces]], and a civilian variant is also available. The type was first exported to [[Nepal]] and [[Israel]], and is currently on order by several other countries for both military and commercial uses. Specialised military variants include [[anti-submarine warfare]] machines and [[helicopter gunship]]s<ref>[http://www.hal-india.com/helicopter/products.asp Official website].</ref>
==Development==
Hindustan's '''Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)''' programme was first announced in November 1984, but progress was slow. 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.
A Weapon System Integrated (WSI) Dhruv is under development for the Indian Military services. 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 WSI variant will also have FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared), CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera and a target acquisition system with thermal sight and laser rangefinder.
In December 2006, Nexter Systems (formerly Giat) was awarded a contract for the installation of the THL 20 20mm gun turret on the first 20 Indian forces Dhruv helicopters. The turret is armed with the M621 low-recoil cannon and is combined with a helmet-mounted sight.<ref>[http://www.nexter-group.fr/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=165&Itemid=134 Contract awarded for 20 THL 20 turrets]</ref>
The helicopter was fitted with the more powerful [[HAL/Turbomeca Shakti|Shakti]] engine developed jointly by HAL and [[Turbomeca]], and now entering production.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2007/07/19/stories/2007071950150900.htm Shakti-powered ALH to fly on August 1]</ref> The first test flight of the Dhruv with the new engine and the weaponised version took place on [[16 August]] [[2007]].<ref>[http://www.hal-india.com/dhruv-shakti.asp Dhruvs with Shakti engine and weapons make maiden flight]</ref> The naval version of the helicopter is fitted with the Mihir dunking SONAR<ref>[http://www.drdo.org/Naval%20Systems/mihir.htm Mihir SONAR]</ref> which is integrated with the Helicopter Fire Control System.<ref>[http://www.drdo.org/Naval%20Systems/HelicopterFireControlSytem.htm Helicopter Fire Control System]</ref>
==Operational history==
===Military service===
[[Image:Sarang perform.jpg|thumb|right|Sarang team performing.]]
[[Image:Dhruv-indianarmy-IA-1136.jpg|thumb|right|Indian Army Dhruv displaying at [[Farnborough Air Show]] 2008]]
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 induct Dhruv helicopters into service. This was followed by induction by the [[Indian Army]], [[Indian Navy]] and the [[Indian Air 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 very high altitudes, a crucial requirement for the Army, which requires helicopters for operations in [[Siachen Glacier]] and [[Jammu and Kashmir|Kashmir]]. In September 2007, the Dhruv was cleared for high-altitude flying in the Siachen Sector after six-month long trials.<ref>[http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070024815 "Dhruv helicopter set to fly in Siachen"], ''[[NDTV]]'', [[3 September]] [[2007]]</ref><ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1640897.cms "Dhruv clears trials to fly high in Siachen"], ''[[Times of India]]'', [[20 February]] [[2007]], accessed [[8 October]] [[2007]]</ref>. In October 2007, a Dhruv flew to an altitude of 27,500 ft [[Above sea level|ASL]] in Siachen. This was the highest that the Dhruv had flown, and was higher than the 25,000 ft record set by an IAF ''Cheetah'' helicopter in 2005.<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Bangalore_ALH_pilots_fly_high/articleshow/2437840.cms "Bangalore ALH pilots fly high"], ''Times of India'', [[8 October]] [[2007]]</ref>
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is believed to be close to securing an order to supply 12 advanced light helicopter (ALH) ambulances to the armed forces. HAL Dhruv ambulances will have all the emergency medical equipment for the treatment of injured soldiers. The HAL Dhruv ambulances will be used by the Armed Forces’ Medical Services.<ref>[http://www.domain-b.com/companies/companies_h/hindustan_aeronautics/20070821_ambulances.html Armed Forces Medical Corps to buy 12 ALH air ambulances from HAL]</ref>
A further order for 166 helicopters were placed with HAL since the helicopter is working well in higher altitude areas with the Indian Army.<ref>[http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India/Forces_look_for_more_armour_may_shell_out_Rs_15_crore/articleshow/2939267.cms Forces look for more armour, may shell out Rs 15 crore]</ref>
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.<ref name="Ditch Dhruv">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=91bd94ec-2603-4cef-9e76-bb922c35d125&MatchID1=4709&TeamID1=10&TeamID2=14&MatchType1=2&SeriesID1=1189&MatchID2=4710&TeamID3=7&TeamID4=18&MatchType2=2&SeriesID2=1189&PrimaryID=4709&Headline=Navy+plans+to+ditch+Dhruv+helicopters|title=Navy plans to ditch Dhruv helicopters|last=Singh|first=Rahul|date=2008-06-12|work=Hindustan Times|publisher=HT Media Ltd.|accessdate=2008-06-24}}</ref> The Navy is seeking new ASW helicopters on the global market to replace its ageing fleet of Sea King helicopters.
===Civilian service===
HAL also produces a civilian variant of the Dhruv for various functions- VIP Transport, Rescue, Policing, Offshore Operations and air-ambulance role, among others.<ref>[http://www.hal-india.com/helicopter/products.asp HAL Website, with Brochures for individual roles]</ref> The interiors of the VIP Transport version have been designed by [[DC Design]], a noted Indian automobile design firm .<ref>[http://www.rediff.com/money/2005/dec/13chhab.htm DC Design now eyes airplanes], ''Rediff.com Business'', [[13 December]] [[2005]], accessed [[8 October]] [[2007]]</ref>
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has placed an order for 12 Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Chief Test Pilot Wing Commander Upadhyay said the helicopters will have top-of-the-line medical infrastructure, including ventilators and two stretchers.<ref>[http://www.deccanherald.com/archives/jan202007/state149362007120.asp NDMA to get 12 ALHs]</ref>
Other buyers include the [[Geological Survey of India]] (GSI) (1 Helicopter), [[ONGC]] for its offshore operations, as well as various state governments for VIP transport and policing.<ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/economy/storypage.php?tab=r&autono=294869&subLeft=1&leftnm=3 HAL likely to get Rs 420 crore order for air ambulances]</ref>.
===Foreign sales===
The Dhruv's low cost & high performance have elicited interest from many countries, especially for use in high altitude regions.
Chile had issued an RFP for 5.5 tonne, twin engined new generation helicopter and the Dhruv participating in the competition. HAL had conducted a live demonstration of Dhruv equipped with advanced cockpit, electronic warfare suite and surveillance pod in Chile. Four Dhruv choppers were involved in a wide range of applications for evaluation with the demonstration clocking a total of 107 hours. It flew to high altitudes, hot and desert conditions, carried out ship deck landing at Valparaiso, search and rescue at 12,500 ft above mean sea level at a temperature of 2° C as well as long distance ferry flights. However, Bell 412 won this contract<ref>[http://www.bellhelicopter.com/en/company/pressReleases/PR_07_1211_ChileanAirForce412.cfm Chile inks contract with Bell for 412]</ref> allegedly due to arm twisting by the United States government.<ref>[http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News_by_Industry/US_pressure_robs_chopper_order_from_Hindustan_Aeronautics/articleshow/3009166.cms US pressure robs chopper order from Hindustan Aeronautics]</ref> HAL will also sign an agreement with Bolivia for two Dhruv helicopters.<ref>[http://www.idrw.org/2007/05/24/hal_receives_rfp_from_chile_for_dhruv.html HAL Receives RFP from Chile for Dhruv]</ref> Peru has also shown interest in the Dhruv.<ref>[http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=165211 Chile keen to buy HAL’s Dhruv helicopters]</ref> The Dhruv is also being offered to Turkey and Malaysia.
Countries like Turkey, Chile and Venezuela have also shown interest in the civilian variant of the Dhruv.<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/16/stories/2007081654490500.htm Shakti-powered Dhruv helicopter to fly today]</ref> Flight certification for Europe and North America is also being planned, in order to tap the large civilian market there.
India is also reportedly planning to transfer several Dhruvs to [[Myanmar]]. This led to protests from [[Amnesty International]], who pointed to the use of components sourced from European suppliers as a possible violation of the [[European Union|EU]] Arms Embargo of Myanmar.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/6900052.stm#map "'Threat' to EU-Burma embargo"], ''[[BBC News]], [[16 July]] [[2007]], accessed [[8 October]] [[2007]]</ref> In a <span class="plainlinks">[http://www.amnesty-eu.org/static/documents/2007/B689India_arms_sales_to_Myanmar.pdf letter to the President of the EU Council of Ministers], Amnesty stated that it had evidence that India planned to transfer two Dhruvs (with European components) to Burma.<ref>[http://web.amnesty.org/library/Index/ENGASA200142007] "Indian helicopters for Myanmar:
making a mockery of the EU arms embargo?", [[Amnesty International]] Report about the reported sale. Also see [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/pdfs/16_07_07amnestyheli.pdf] for Adobe Acrobat format of the Report.</ref>. An unknown source in the government replied that “India does give defense hardware support to Myanmar but the equipment is not offensive … and not its top of the line technology”.<ref>''Taipei Times'', Page 5, Tuesday, [[17 July]], [[2007]].
A government source who asked not to be named, denied any wrongdoing and said India “does not attach much credence to reports by Amnesty International. India does give defense hardware support to Myanmar but the equipment is not offensive … and not top of the line technology,” said the source, asserting that Myanmar was helping in the battle against insurgents in India’s northeast. Another Indian official, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the technology concerned was for communications only and not for offensive operations. </ref>
In June 2008, HAL announced that it had secured orders for two Dhruvs from the government of [[Peru]].<ref>[http://www.domain-b.com/aero/aero_mfg/20080624_ambulance.html HAL secures order for ambulance version of ALH Dhruv from Peru]</ref> The helicopters will be used as [[air ambulance]]s by the Peruvian health services.
Also, HAL announced an order from the [[Ecuadorian Air Force]] for seven Dhruvs.<ref>[http://www.ptinews.com/pti%5Cptisite.nsf/0/A7BBD4BCA30A61C265257473005AF4C2?OpenDocument India clinches first foreign deal with Ecuador to sell Dhruv]</ref><ref>[http://pib.nic.in/release/release.asp?relid=39794 HAL Bags Order from Ecuador]</ref> Delivery is set for between 15 and 24 months.
==Operators==
===Military operators===
[[Image:Dhruv-indianarmy-IA-1133.jpg|thumb|right|Dhruv of the Indian Army]]
;{{IND}}
* [[Indian Army]] (~75)<ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/common/news_article.php?autono=326924 The Business Standard: HAL secures copter order from Peru, by Praveen Bose & Ravi Menon / Bangalore June 24, 2008, 0:49 IST]</ref>
* [[Indian Air Force]] (~35)
* [[Indian Navy]] (6)
* [[Indian Coast Guard]] (4)
;{{BIR}}
* [[Myanmar Air Force]] (Unknown quantity transferred in late 2006)
;{{ISR}}
* [[Ministry of Defense (Israel)|Ministry of Defense]] (1)
;{{NPL}}
* [[Nepalese Army Air Service]] (2)
;{{BOL}}
* [[Military of Bolivia|Bolivian Air Force]] (2) <ref>http://164.100.24.208/ls/CommitteeR/Defence/17threport.pdf</ref>
;{{ECU}}
*[[Ecuadorian Air Force]] (7 on order)
===Civil operators===
;{{IND}}
* [[Oil and Natural Gas Corporation]] (ONGC) (3)
* [[Chattisgarh]] State Government
* [[Jharkhand]] State Government for VIP transportation & Police (2)
* [[Karnataka]] State Government for VIP transportation (1)
* [[Geological Survey of India]] (GSI) (1 on order)
* National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) (12 on order)
;{{PER}}
*Peruvian health services (2 on order)
==Incidents==
* In November 2004, one of the two HAL Dhruvs sold to the Royal Nepal Army experienced a hard landing, which damaged its undercarriage and landing gear. The damage was subsequently repaired by a team from HAL.<ref>[http://www.india-defence.com/reports/1135 Dhruvs to be airborne next week]</ref>
* On [[November 25]], [[2005]], an ALH which was being ferried for delivery to the [[Jharkhand]] government had a hard landing near Hyderabad the southern Indian state of [[Andhra Pradesh]], though none of the occupants was harmed. In a statement, HAL said, "In a recent incident, when the tail rotor of one Dhruv developed some technical snag near Hyderabad, the pilot executed a safe landing without any injury to any of the passengers. The incident undoubtedly proved the safety features of ALH including crash worthiness & ease of handling emergency procedures. It was also proved beyond doubt that the design characteristics of ALH are unique as the crew and passengers descended from 5000 feet and came out of the helicopter without a scratch."<ref>[http://www.hindu.com/2006/01/07/stories/2006010720740300.htm HAL stresses on safety features of Dhruv]</ref> Nevertheless, the 65-strong fleet operated by the three armed forces and Coast Guard was grounded briefly, while HAL investigated defects in the composite tail-rotor.<ref>[http://www.tribuneindia.com/2006/20060116/cth1.htm Lapses in production led to Dhruv’s grounding]</ref> which were later fixed.<ref>[http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1006025&pageid=2 Dhruvs to be airborne next week]</ref>
* On [[February 2]], [[2007]], an ALH from the [[Sarang]] helicopter display team of the [[Indian Air Force]] crashed outside Bangalore, killing its co-pilot Sqn Ldr Priye Sharma and wounding pilot Wg Cdr Vikas Jetley.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/india/2007/india-070202-irna02.htm|title=ALH helicopter crashes; IAF pilot killed ahead of Aero India show|accessdate=2007-08-25|publisher=globalsecurity.org}}</ref> HAL has dismissed suggestions of another material failure.{{Fact|date=June 2007}} A crash inquiry by the IAF's Training Command and HAL found it to be a pilot error. The pilot miscalculated the height before pulling up during the aerobatic show. The helicopter team performed in the air show.<ref>[http://media.bharat-rakshak.com/aero/AeroIndia2007/Flying/HALDhruv Aero-India 2007, "Sarang" Helicopter Display Team, www.Bharat-Rakshak.com]</ref> <ref>[http://media.bharat-rakshak.com/aero/AeroIndia2007/Users/Arun_S/Sarang_Helicoptor_Aerobatics Aero-India 2007, "Sarang" Aerobatic Team, Images by Arun Vishwakarma, www.Bharat-Rakshak.com]</ref>
==Specifications (Dhruv)==
[[Image:Turbomeca Ardiden P1220827.jpg|thumb|The [[Shakti engine]]]]
{{aircraft specifications
<!-- if you do not understand how to use this template, please ask at [[Wikipedia talk:WikiProject Aircraft]] -->
<!-- please answer the following questions -->
|plane or copter?=copter
|jet or prop?=prop
<!-- Now, fill out the specs. Please include units where appropriate (main comes first, alt in parentheses). If an item doesn't apply, like capacity, leave it blank. For additional lines, end your alt units with a right parenthesis ")" and start a new, fully-formatted line beginning with * -->
|crew=1 or 2 pilots
|capacity=4-12 passengers
|length main= 52 ft 0.8 in
|length alt= 15.87 m
|span main= 43 ft 3.7 in
|span alt= 13.20 m
|height main= 12 ft 4 in
|height alt=4.05 m
|area main= 1,472 ft²
|area alt= 137 m²
|empty weight main= 5515 lb
|empty weight alt= 2502 kg
|max takeoff weight main= 12,125 lb
|max takeoff weight alt= 5500 kg
|engine (prop)= [[Turbomeca]] [[Turbomeca TM 333|TM 333-2B2]]
|type of prop= [[turboshaft]]s
|number of props=2
|power main= 1000 shp
|power alt= 746 kW
|power original=
<br>'''Alternate engine:''' 2× HAL/Turbomeca [[HAL/Turbomeca Shakti|Shakti]] [[turboshaft]]s of 1200 shp (900 kW)
|max speed main= 175 mph
|max speed alt= 280 km/h
|combat radius main= 200 mi
|combat radius alt= 320 km
|ferry range main= 516 mi
|ferry range alt= 827 km
|ceiling main= 21,680 ft
|ceiling alt=6500 m
|climb rate main= 1,771 ft/min
|climb rate alt= 8.9 m/s
|power/mass main= 0.20 hp/lb
|power/mass alt= 329.73 W/kg
|armament=8 [[Anti-tank guided missile]]s, 4 [[Air-to-air missile]]s, 4 x 68 mm Rocket Pods (Air-Force & Army), 2 [[Torpedo]]es, [[Depth charge]]s or [[Anti-ship missile]]s
}}
==Gallery==
<gallery>
Image:DhruvJM.jpg|[[Sarang]] Helicopter Acrobatics team's display at the [[Farnborough Airshow]], 2006.
Image:Dhruv2JM.jpg|Dhruv Display at the Farnborough Airshow 2006.
Image:Sarang 2.jpg|Sarang
Image:Dhruv civilian version.jpg|civil version of the Dhruv
</gallery>
==See also==
{{aircontent
|related=
* [[HAL Light Combat Helicopter]]
* [[HAL Light Observation Helicopter]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[Agusta A109]]
* [[Bell 222|Bell 222/230]]
* [[Bell 427]]
* [[Eurocopter EC 145]]
* [[Sikorsky S-76]]
|sequence=
|lists=
* [[List of helicopters]]
|see also=
}}
==References==
{{Reflist|2}}
==External links==
{{Commons|HAL Dhruv}}
* [http://www.hal-india.com/helicopter/products.asp#alh HAL Dhruv page]
* [http://www.army-technology.com/projects/dhruv/ Dhruv – Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) @ Army-technology.com]
* [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/main.php?g2_itemId=3995 Digital cockpit of HAL Dhruv]
* [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/main.php?g2_itemId=3908 Dhruv at Farnborough 2006]
* [http://www.hindustantimes.com/Images/2007/8/d0e3bdd1-6961-4c33-b9c8-46ffa079e176HiRes.JPG#@%23@%230 Armed version of Dhruv]
* [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Info/Aircraft/ALH.html HAL Dhruv]
* [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/IAF/Images/Current/Helicopters1.html HAL Dhruv (Air Force)]
* [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/NAVY/ALH.html HAL Dhruv(Navy)]
* [http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/LAND-FORCES/Army/Images-Helicopters1.html HAL Dhruv(Army)]
* [http://www.rediff.com/news/2007/feb/20dhruv.htm HAL's ALH Dhruv Clears High-Altitude Tests; Will Join Siachen Glacier fleet]
* [http://www.misile-iai.com/Default.aspx?docID=31715&FolderID=17942&lang=en&res=0&pos=0 Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) - DHRUV IAI website]
* [http://www.blonnet.com/2005/07/05/stories/2005070500361800.htm Dhruv on wings at Paris]
* [http://www.ila-berlin.com/ila2008/presse/anzeigekatfotos2008_e.cfm?zu_kategorie=7 Dhruv at ILA 2008]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgOqdT1J9Qo Sarang helicopter display team performing at Aero-India]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1k6pFUgbb0&NR=1 Video of Dhruv helicopter]
* [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3404377241870370710 Video of HAL Dhruv performing at Farnborough 2006]
* [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp009SS6QhM Video of Dhruv at Paris airshow 2007]
{{HAL aircraft}}
{{aviation lists}}
[[Category:helicopters]]
[[Category:Military helicopters]]
[[Category:Indian civil utility aircraft 1990-1999]]
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