In a significant step towards expanding its footprint in the civilian aviation sector, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) successfully conducted the maiden flight of its new Dhruv–New Generation (NG) Advanced Light Helicopter in Bengaluru on Tuesday. This event marks a pivotal effort by the state-owned aerospace giant to reposition its proven Dhruv platform for the competitive civil and export markets.
Enhanced Design for Global Civil Aviation
Designed and manufactured entirely by HAL, the Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter specifically upgraded to meet stringent global civil aviation requirements. While it builds upon the robust existing Dhruv airframe, the new variant introduces substantial improvements focused on safety, performance, ride quality, and passenger comfort. Crucially, it retains the high-altitude and hot-and-high operating capabilities essential for diverse Indian conditions.
The helicopter is powered by the indigenous twin Shakti 1H1C engines. HAL highlighted that this homegrown powerplant offers higher power ratings and the significant advantage of in-country maintenance and support. This move not only strengthens India's self-reliance in defence and aerospace but is also projected to reduce long-term operating and lifecycle costs for civilian operators.
Advanced Cockpit, Safety, and Passenger Comfort
The Dhruv NG features a modern, civil-certified glass cockpit that complies with AS4 requirements. It is integrated with a sophisticated avionics and navigation suite aimed at enhancing situational awareness for pilots and reducing their workload during operations.
Safety has been a paramount concern in the redesign. Key enhancements include crashworthy seats, self-sealing fuel tanks, and the proven reliability of a twin-engine configuration, which provides critical redundancy during important phases of flight. For passenger-centric roles, HAL has incorporated advanced vibration control systems to ensure a remarkably smoother ride. This focus on comfort is particularly targeted at missions like VIP transport and emergency medical services (air ambulance).
Performance Specifications and Versatile Cabin
The helicopter boasts impressive performance metrics: a maximum take-off weight of 5,500 kg, a top speed of approximately 285 kmph, and a range of about 630 km with reserves. It offers an endurance of around three hours and 40 minutes and can operate up to a service ceiling of 6,000 metres. Its internal payload capacity is about 1,000 kg.
The cabin, with a generous volume of 7.33 cubic metres, is designed for quick reconfiguration to suit multiple civilian roles. It can be outfitted for:
- VIP/VVIP transport for 4-6 passengers.
- Commuter layout carrying up to 14 passengers.
- Air ambulance setup with space for four stretchers, a doctor, and an attendant.
Other potential applications include offshore operations, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue missions.
A Cost-Effective 'Make in India' Solution
HAL is positioning the Dhruv Civil NG as a cost-effective alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters. The company promises a comprehensive "one-stop solution" covering manufacturing, maintenance, and upgrades. This will be supported by integrated logistics models like Power-By-Hour and performance-based logistics to ensure higher fleet availability for customers.
Following this successful maiden flight, the helicopter will now enter a series of certification and performance evaluation sorties. These tests are critical as HAL prepares the platform for wider induction into the civilian aviation market, both in India and abroad.
