HAL Dhruv

   The Dhruv (Pole Star) light utility helicopter was developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It is a multi-role and multi-mission helicopter, intended for both military and civil operators. The Dhruv is suitable for utility and ground attack roles. A number of variants exist. Current military operators of the HAL Dhruv are India, Bolivia, Burma, Israel and Nepal. It is also being considered by Chile and Peru.

   Development of the HAL Dhruv, previously known as the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), began in 1984, however progress was slow. First prototype made it's maiden flight in 1992. Because of delays, constructional issues, lack of funding  and political reasons, production of the Dhruv began only in 2000 and 75 helicopters were delivered to Indian armed forces by 2007. It's estimated requirements include 120 helicopters for the army, 120 for the navy and 60 for the air force.

   The HAL Dhruv has a conventional design. About two-thirds of it's weight are made from composite materials. Cockpit section of the fuselage is made of Kevlar and carbon-fiber. The Dhruv is capable to fly at very high altitudes, what is a crucial requirement considering India's terrain. In generally it is a low-cost and high-performance helicopter.

   Helicopters supplied to Indian army are fitted with stub wings to carry up to eight anti-tank missiles, four air-to-air missies and four rocket pods for 68-mm or 70-mm unoperated rockets. Naval variant of the Dhruv can carry four anti-ship missiles or two torpedoes.

   Some helicopters are completed with a gun turret, fitted with the M621 20-mm cannon. The WSI or Weapon System Integrated versions of the Indian army will be fitted with the Nag anti-tank missiles. These missiles are currently under development. The Nag has imaging infrared guidance and a range of 4 km.

   Cabin of the HAL Dhruv can accommodate 12 - 14 troops. In the air ambulance configuration it can carry four stretchers and two medical attendants.

   Prototype helicopter was fitted with two Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 turboshaft engines, developing 990 shaft horsepower each. An agreement was signed with Turbomeca to develop a more powerful engine, the Shakti (French name Ardiden 1H), developing 1 200 shaft horsepower. Development of this engine was completed in 2007 and it is produced by HAL in Bangalore.

   Countermeasures of the Dhruv can include radar and missile detectors, infrared jammer, chaff and flare dispensers.