DRDO lakshya
DRDO Lakshya
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Lakshya PTA
Role
Pilotless Target Aircraft
Manufacturer
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Design group
Aeronautical Development Establishment
First flight
1985
Introduction
9 November 2000
Status
Active
Primary user
Indian Army
Indian Air Force
Indian Navy
Produced
30
Lakshya ("target" in Sanskrit) is an Indian remotely piloted high speed target drone system developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO. A variant Lakshya-1 is used to perform discreet aerial reconnaissance of battlefield and target acquisition.[1][2]
The drone remotely piloted by a ground control station provides realistic towed aerial sub-targets for live fire training. The drone is ground or ship launched from a zero length launcher and recovery is by a two-stage parachute system developed by ADE (DRDO), for land- or sea-based recovery. The drone has a crushable nose cone, which absorbs the impact of landing, minimizing damage. The flight path may be controlled or pre-programmed, based upon the type of mission.
Contents
1Development
2Operational history
3Status
4Operators
5Specifications (Lakshya PTA)
6See also
7References
Development[edit]
The 'Lakshya' India's indigenously developed Unmanned Ariel Vehicle (UAV) passing through the Rajpath during the full dress rehearsal for Republic Day Parade -2004, in New Delhi on 23 January 2004
The requirement for a pilotless target aircraft (PTA) arose in 1976. Feasibility studies were carried out by ADE to provide for a target system that met the requirements of all 3 services of the armed forces. An Inter Services Qualitative Requirement (ISQR), common to the three Services, was formulated by a Working Group constituted by the Ministry of Defence in January 1977 and 35 ISQR points were identified. Subsequently, based on a feasibility study carried out by ADE, the project for the design and development of Inter-Services PTA by ADE, satisfying the ISQR was sanctioned by Government in September 1980 at a cost of ₹170 million (US$2.3 million) including a foreign exchange element of ₹80 million (US$1.1 million). The development activity was planned for completion within five years. In parallel, a development project for indigenous development of PTA Engine (PTAE-7) was also sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹45 million (US$597,600.00) to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in September 1980, based on a feasibility study and project proposal submitted by HAL. The engine was to be developed by HAL by September 1985, concurrently with the PTA. HAL announced the successful trial of the indigenously-designed and developed remote-controlled PTAE-7 jet engine on 24 January 2001.[3]
Between December 1985 and July 1986, four Lakshya PTA prototypes powered by Microturbo TRI-60-5 engines were launched for trials. While the first two launches were successful for planned flight times of 20 and 38 minutes respectively, the next two launches failed. By June 1994, 18 Lakshya PTA prototypes were fabricated by ADE itself and 43 trials were conducted, 24 of which were between December 1985 and February 1992. Due to rigorous evaluation and stringent quality control, a total of 10 prototypes were lost during the testing phase between 1985 and 1990. The project was formally closed on June 1994 and a final closure report was issued in April 1995 after incurring a total expenditure of ₹218.2 million (US$2.9 million). The first 6 Lakshya drones were given to the Indian Air Force in 1998. Laskhya units are manufactured and overhauled at HAL's Aircraft division, Bangalore. The Lakshya was formally inducted into the services by CAS AY Tipnis, on 9 November 2000 at Interim test range (ITR) Chandipur. On 9 May 2002, an upgraded version of the Laskhya featuring the new engine from HAL was flown from ITR Chandipur, bringing user trials to a close. On 6 November 2002, HAL announced that they had received an initial order for 25 Lakshya drones and that limited series production to satisfy the order for all three services had already begun. By 16 January 2003, the drone had completed over 100 flights.
A modified reconnaissance version of the Lakshya is under development. This version was fitted with oblique cameras and a digital onboard computer with a faster data-link enabling the drone to carry out completely autonomous operations. The development of this version was formally announced by Dr VK Aatre, then Scientific Adviser to the Defence Minister, during his lecture on "Evolving Battlefields and Role of Technology" organized by Bangalore Science Forum on 5 July 2003.
India's Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) has just announced the successful flight test of a Lakshya-2 pilotless targeting drone. According to a DRDO statement on 21 dec 2010, "Users have indicated their requirement of flying pilotless target aircraft at very low altitudes (15 to 25 metres above sea level) to simulate the trajectory of low-level cruise missiles. Accordingly ADE has prepared Lakshya-2 with necessary hardware and software to meet those requirements."
The 20 Dec flight test lasted 32 minutes at a range of 10-km. The DRDO statement said, "The flight was stable and well-controlled. A mobile launcher to launch the PTA from anywhere, and GPS to locate for recovery were used successfully." The Lakshya-2 also demonstrated several manoeuvers. The system has been designed so that two Lakshya targets can be flown and controlled by the common ground control station.
Operational history[edit]
Indian Air Force has received the aircraft, ground systems and expendables in September 1999 and Indian Navy was scheduled to receive its first deliveries in November 2000. 23 Pilotless Target Aircraft Lakshya have been inducted into the defence services.
The production cost of one aircraft is 29,375,000 Rupees (US$450,000). Some countries, like Singapore, Malaysia and Israel have expressed interest for "paid demonstration" of the Lakshya aircraft as a target. A similar "paid demonstration" was conducted for Israel's Air Force during the year 2002. This information was given by the Defense Minister AK Antony on 5 September 2007.[4]
Status[edit]
A Lakshya drone in 2008.
The advanced version of pilotless target aircraft (PTA) Lakshya-II was again successfully flight- tested at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) on 27 January 2012. The 11th flight demonstration was held from a mobile vehicle at launch complex-3 of the ITR, about 15 km from here. According to defence sources, the entire flight was pre-programmed and was totally successful.
Lakshya-II flew at sea skimming height of about 15 meters. In a flight lasting over 30 minutes, it was made to dive down from an altitude of around 800 m to just 12 m and maintained the requisite altitude for the specified time before demonstrating auto climb-out. It demonstrated various technologies and sub-systems to prevent loss of mission, engaging and flying in way point navigation mode while carrying tow targets. During the flight, one of the tow targets was released and the other was deployed while way point navigation was on.
Lakshya-II has been designed and developed by Bangalore- based Aeronautical Development Establishment, a premier DRDO lab specialising in UAVs and flight control systems.
On 23 August 2012, Air Force version of Lakshya-1 fitted with an advanced digitally controlled engine was test-flown to check the validity of its engine and duration enhancement. The drone flew over 30 minutes.[1][5][6][7][8][9][10][11]
On 16 March 2017, Air Force version of Lakshya-2 was successfully test-flown for 30 minutes from the Integrated Test Range, Odisha.[12]
Operators[edit]
India
Indian Air Force (15 units)
Indian Navy (5 units)
DRDO (10 units)[13]
Specifications (Lakshya PTA)[edit]
General characteristics
Length: 2.385 m (7 ft 10 in)
Wingspan: 5 m (16 ft 5 in)
Wing area: 2.27 m2 (24.4 sq ft)
Airfoil: NACA 64 A 008
Max takeoff weight: 705 kg (1,554 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × HAL PTAE-7 turbojet, 3.73 kN (840 lbf) thrust
Performance
Maximum speed: Mach 0.7
Range: 150 km (93 mi, 81 nmi)
Service ceiling: 9,000 m (30,000 ft) 5,000 m (16,404 ft) with towed target
Rate of climb: 25 m/s (4,900 ft/min)
Launch: Rocket Assisted
Recovery: Two stage parachute
HAL HJT-16 Kiran
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HJT-16 Kiran
A HAL Kiran Mk II of the Surya Kiran on approach.
Role
Intermediate jet trainer
National origin
India
Manufacturer
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
First flight
4 September 1964
Introduction
1968
Status
In service
Primary users
Indian Air Force
Indian Navy
Produced
1964 -1989
Number built
190
The HAL HJT-16 Kiran ("Ray of light") is an Indian two-seat intermediate jet-powered trainer aircraft designed and manufactured by aircraft company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The Kiran was developed at the behest of the Indian Air Force (IAF), who sought a new intermediate trainer aircraft for its pilots. On 4 September 1964, the type performed its maiden flight; mass production commenced shortly thereafter. It has been adopted by the IAF, which uses the type to conduct intermediate training of pilots following on from basic trainers such as the HPT-32 Deepak and Pilatus PC-7. Furthermore, during the 1980s, the IAF procured a number of Kirans that were furnished with a more powerful engine and a higher number of hard points; the variant was designated Kiran Mk II. It has also been adopted by the Indian Naval Air Arm. The last Kiran was completed during 1989, after which the assembly line was shuttered.
The Kiran has been in operational use for over 50 years. Since the late 1990s, an indigenously designed successor, the HAL HJT-36 Sitara, has been in development, but has yet to enter service as of 2019. By the 2010s, use of the type was gradually declining as increasing numbers of newer BAE Systems Hawks, built under license by HAL, have been introduced to IAF service. The Kiran has been used by the Indian naval aerobatic team Sagar Pawan and was also used by the aerobatic team Surya Kiran of the IAF up until February 2011, at which point the team was disbanded after its aircraft were diverted to train fighter pilots. The Surya Kiran display team has been reequipped with specially-equipped Hawks. During December 2018, a handful of Kirans were donated by India to Myanmar.
Contents
1Development
2Operational history
3Variants
4Operators
5Specification (Kiran IA)
6See also
7References
7.1Citations
7.2Bibliography
8External links
Development[edit]
A Kiran II on static display at the HAL Museum, Bangalore, 2011
The Kiran was developed by Indian aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in response the issuing of an Indian Air Force (IAF) requirement that called for a new intermediate jet-powered trainer aircraft. HAL's design team devised a relatively conventional trainer; according to author Chris Smith, their design was closely modelled on the BAC Jet Provost, an existing British jet trainer.[1] HAL chose to adopt the British-sourced Rolls Royce Viper 11 turbojet engine, capable of generating up to 2,500 lbf (11,000 N) of thrust, to serve as its powerplant.[2] According to Smith, the development of what would become Kiran proved beneficial to other HAL projects, the design team being later redeployed to the HF-24 Marut, an indigenously designed fighter-bomber.[1]
On 4 September 1964, a prototype performed the type's maiden flight.[2] The initial production aircraft was designated Kiran I; during March 1968, the first deliveries of the pre-production aircraft were made to the IAF. Proving satisfactory, full-scale production of the type was approved shortly thereafter. Later production aircraft were fitted with hard points underneath each wing, which were intended for weapon training purposes; this modification led to such aircraft being redesignated as Kiran IA. A total of 190 Mk I and 1A aircraft were manufactured.[2]
During the 1970s, work was undertaken by HAL on an uprated version of the aircraft; it was instead powered by the Bristol Siddeley Orpheus turbojet engine, capable of generating a maximum thrust of 4,200 lbf (19,000 N). This variant, which was also furnished with an enhanced weapon-carrying capability, was designated Kiran Mk II. On 30 July 1976, this variant performed its first flight.[3] Around this time, India was seeking a more advanced trainer aircraft in response to difficulties experienced with trainee pilots transitioning from the original Kiran to frontline fighter aircraft.[4] Deliveries of the improved model commenced during 1985; production of the Kiran was terminated during 1989.[5]
Operational history[edit]
Since the initial aircraft first being delivered in 1968, the Kiran has been operated by both the IAF and the Indian Navy for the intermediate elements of their training syllabuses. Since the late 1990s, HAL has been working on developing a successor to the Kiran, which has been designated HJT-36 Sitara.[6] Its development has been protracted, being troubled by accidents during the test flight phase and having to perform an extensive redesign.[7][8] Another jet trainer, the British-designed BAE Systems Hawk, has been license-manufactured by HAL to supplement and gradually replace the IAF's aging Kiran fleet since 2007.[9] While deliveries of the Hawk and development of the Sitara continues, the operating life of the Kiran has been extended through to 2019, over 50 years after the first examples being delivered to the IAF.[10][11]
Aircraft of the Surya Kiran display team in formation flight during LIMA 2007
Following the grounding of the HAL HPT-32 Deepak fleet in 2009 amid safety concerns, the Kiran was temporarily used to perform both Stage I & II of fighter pilot training; this change was accompanied by considerable disruption, including a reduction of available flying hours to students as well as necessitating the redistribution of aircraft from the Surya Kiran display team.[12][13] During 2010, an urgent request for proposals was issued, seeking a rapid replacement for the HPT-32 and to enable the Kiran fleet to resume normal operations; the Pilatus PC-7 was subsequently selected for this role.[14][15]
Both the Indian Naval Air Arm and the Indian Air Force have independently operated their own aerobatic display teams, Sagar Pawan and Surya Kiran respectively.[16] On 3 March 2010, a Kiran Mk II of the Sagar Pawan aerobatic team crashed into a building in Hyderabad during the Indian Aviation 2010 air show, killing both crewmembers and injuring four civilians on the ground.[17] During the 2010s, the Indian Defence Ministry placed an order for 20 Hawk Mk132 aircraft with HAL to replace the remaining Kirans assigned to the Surya Kiran display team.[18][19] By 2019, several Hawks had been issued to the Surya Kiran display team and had been used to perform its trademark aerial displays.[20]
During December 2018, India donated six Kirans to neighbouring Myanmar, these aircraft were dispatched along with a team of specialists to train both pilots and ground crew in their operation.[21] Publication Times Now has speculated that this gift was an intentional politically-charged decision, intended to strengthen military ties between the two countries as well as to a means to counterbalancing the growing influence of China over the region.[22]
Variants[edit]
Kiran Mk I
Two-seat intermediate jet trainer powered by a Rolls-Royce Viper turbo-jet engine. 118 built.[23][24]
Kiran Mk IA
Two-seat intermediate jet trainer with armament capability. Two underwing hardpoints fitted. 72 built.[23][24]
Kiran Mk II
Improved version with four hardpoints and integral twin 7.62 mm machine guns in nose and a Bristol Siddeley Orpheus engine.[3] 61 built.[5]
Operators[edit]
Formation of Kirans in flight
India
Indian Air Force: 87[25]
Indian Navy: 20[25]
Myanmar
Myanmar Air Force: 6[22]
Specification (Kiran IA)[edit]
Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1982–83[23]
General characteristics
Crew: 2
Length: 10.60 m (34 ft 9 in)
Wingspan: 10.70 m (35 ft 1 in)
Height: 3.64 m (11 ft 11 in)
Wing area: 19.00 m2 (204.5 sq ft)
Aspect ratio: 6.03:1
Airfoil: NACA 23015 at root, NACA 23012 at tip
Empty weight: 2,560 kg (5,644 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 4,235 kg (9,337 lb)
Fuel capacity: 1,137 L (300 US gal; 250 imp gal) internal fuel
Powerplant: 1 × Rolls-Royce Viper 11 turbojet, 11.12 kN (2,500 lbf) thrust
Performance
Maximum speed: 695 km/h (432 mph, 375 kn) at sea level
Cruise speed: 324 km/h (201 mph, 175 kn)
Stall speed: 137–145 km/h (85–90 mph, 74–78 kn) flaps extended and landing gear deployed
Endurance: 1 hr 45 min
Service ceiling: 9,150 m (30,020 ft)
Time to altitude: 20 min to 9,150 m (30,000 ft)
Armament
two 500lb (227kg) bombs or two SNEB rocket pods containing seven 68 mm rockets or two pods with 7.62 mm machine guns, or two 50-Imp Gal (226 litre) drop tanks
HAL Light Utility Helicopter
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Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)
LUH undergoing a test flight
Role
Utility helicopter
National origin
India
Manufacturer
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Design group
Rotary Wing Research and Design Center[1]
First flight
6 September 2016[2]
Introduction
2020[3]
Status
Limited series production
Primary users
Indian Army
Indian Air Force
Number built
3 (12 on order)[4][5]
The HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) along with its derivative Light Observation Helicopter (LOH) was designed and developed by Rotary Wing Research and Design Center (RWR&DC)[6] one of the R&D sections of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for civilian and military applications. These are intended to replace license-built versions of Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama (designated Cheetah) and Aérospatiale Alouette III (designated Chetak) in service with Indian Army and Indian Air Force.
Contents
1Development
1.1Background
1.2Project launch
1.3Test programme
1.4Manufacturing
2Design
3Operator
4Specifications
5See also
6References
7External links
Development[edit]
Background[edit]
During the 1990s and the 2000s, the procurement of a modern successor to the aging HAL Cheetah and HAL Chetak helicopters of the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force had been recognised as an impending need.[7] Multiple attempts at establishing a competitive tendering programme; one such effort specified a total of 197 utility helicopters for the Indian Army, 60 of which were to be directly purchased and the remaining 137 to be produced under licence by Indian aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).[7] However, this tender, in which the Eurocopter Fennec appeared to be the frontrunner against the rival Bell 407, eventually ended up being cancelled in response to allegations of irregularities in the selection process; Eurocopter was subsequently investigated and exonerated of any wrongdoing.[8][9] Consequently, new safeguards were implemented to ensure impartiality and the replacement effort was subsequently restarted.[7]
During July 2008, the Government of India circulated a request for proposals (RFP) to various helicopter companies, including AgustaWestland, Bell Helicopter, Eurocopter, Kamov and Sikorsky, for a fleet of 197 light utility helicopters to be purchased in a fly-away condition directly from the manufacturer in order to speed up their delivery.[7] Intended for military purposes, the potential contract was valued as a maximum of $750 million, of which 30 per cent was required to be invested within India under the government's policy of industrial offsets; HAL was also specified as to provide domestic maintenance activities for the fleet, who were reportedly also keen to manufacture further examples locally and further develop the selected type.[7] It had been initially hoped that trials would begin in 2009 and that helicopter deliveries could commence as early as 2010.[7][8]
By late 2008, Bell had announced its decision not to participate despite earlier considerations on offering a variant of their Bell 407 helicopter; according to Bell, the high offset requirements had made any bid less feasible and thus the company chose to withdraw from the Indian military market.[8] Rival firm Russian Helicopters, submitting its Kamov Ka-226T, was another major competitor for the competition.[10] Shortly after the selection of the Ka-226T to meet the requirement, during December 2015, an agreement was signed for the creation of a joint venture between Rostec, Russian Helicopters and HAL to manufacture the Ka-226T at a new factory to be built at Tumakuru, India.[11] Meanwhile, HAL, which had long held ambitions to design and produce such an aircraft, sought to establish a partnership with a Western manufacturer with considerable technical knowhow in the field; reportedly, Eurocopter were viewed as being the favourite, having already worked with HAL for decades on previous ventures, such as the Chetak and Cheetal that were being replaced.[12]
Project launch[edit]
Light Utility Helicopter mock-up at Aero India 2011
During February 2009, India's defence ministry approved HAL's proposal to enter the design phase on an indigenous design that could potentially meet the requirements of the competition, as well to explore partnership arrangements.[13] HAL promptly performed preliminary design studies on a prospective 3-tonne light helicopter, powered by a single HAL/Turbomeca Shakti turboshaft engine and possessing a range of up to 500 km (270 nm) and a payload capacity of up to 500 kg (1,100 lb). In March 2010, HAL announced that it had decided to proceed on the LUH project alone, without any international partner participating in its development.[14]
In February 2011, HAL unveiled a full-sized mockup of its LUH design.[15] At this point, the design of the LUH was officially frozen, but some elements, such as the powerplant, were yet to be selected for the type; additionally, the first prototype was anticipated to be constructed by the end of 2012 and the first flight was scheduled to occur during 2013.[15] By early November 2012, the bottom structure assembly of the LUH ground test vehicle had been completed. According to HAL, the manufacturing jigs, which are of a modular and gaugeless design, consisting of five assembly jigs and a coupling jig, had been developed and validated using Computer Aided Measurement System (CAMS) to establish high accuracy and stability, which produces smooth and flawless 'First off' structure build.[16]
HAL test pilot Wing Commander (retired) Unni K. Pillai and Director General of Army Aviation Corps Lt Gen AK Suri with LUH.
In March 2014, HAL promoted its LUH's capabilities as a civilian multirole helicopter, noting its ability to carry up to six passengers in an appropriate configuration.[17]
Test programme[edit]
Following repeated delays to the type's first flight, on 6 September 2016, the first prototype LUH PT-1 (ZG4620) conduct its maiden flight outside HAL's manufacturing facility at Bangalore.[2][18] The maiden flight, which was reportedly flown without any issues, marked the commencement of the flight test phase of development.[19]
On 14 February 2017, the first prototype performed an aerobatic display in front of members of the general public in Aero India 2017.[20] Based on the feedback from the first prototype, a more refined second prototype performed its first flight on 22 May 2017.[21][22]
The LUH flew at 6 km altitude Envelope Expansion Test at Bengaluru, a critical certification requirement, in December 2018.[23] Subsequently, on 14 December 2018, the third prototype PT-3 had its maiden flight.[24] In 2018, the LUH finished hot weather trials at Nagpur. Testing at sea-level altitudes was completed at Chennai in 2018 and at Puducherry in 2019.[25]
Final test flight of Army Acceptance Trial on 7 October 2021.
In January 2019, the LUH successfully completed cold weather trials.[26] The LUH undertook successful high altitude hot weather trials between 24 August and 2 September 2019.[25] By 7 February 2020, three prototypes had cumulatively performed over 550 flights.[27] On 7 February 2020, the LUH received its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) from the Ministry of Defence's (MoD) department of Defence Research and Development.[3][28]
The Indian Army has requested a final demonstration trial prior to the LUH goes into mass production. HAL announced the completion of the final demonstration trial on 9 September 2020, which involved envelope expansion, performance, flying qualities, payload and landing capabilities at the highest altitudes of Siachen Glacier.[29] The Final Operational Clearance (FOC) is planned for 2021, following tests focused on its automatic flight control system (AFCS).[30]
During an official visit on 7 October 2021, Director General of Army Aviation Corps Lt Gen AK Suri flew the final test sortie in Light Utility Helicopter which successfully completed the Army Acceptance Trial. HAL LUH is now ready for induction by the Indian Armed Forces.[31] From August 2022, HAL will start flight trial of limited series production (LSP) platform.[32]
Manufacturing[edit]
While limited series production (LSP) will be completed from Bengaluru, HAL intends to perform mass production of the LUH at its new helicopter manufacturing complex at Tumakur that will have the capacity to produce helicopters of 3 ton to 12 ton category. The Tumakur assembly line will complete around 30 LUHs per year by 2019–2020; upon enacting Phase II, which will take another three-four years, production would be ramped up to 60 helicopters per year from 2023.[18][33]
Tumakur assembly line will become fully operational from March 2022.[34] As per government report from Rajya Sabha, Army and IAF will get two LSP each from 2022-23. After that HAL will start rolling out series production (SP) variants.[35]
Design[edit]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. (August 2017)
LUH during hot and high altitude trials in Leh
The HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is a 3-tonne class highly agile new generation light helicopter. According to HAL, it possesses a cruise speed of 235 km/h, maximum speed of 260 km/h, service ceiling of up to 6.5 km, a range of 350 km with maximum take-off weight of 3.12 tonne and an empty weight of 1.91 tonne.[15] The LUH will be capable of accommodating a maximum of two pilots and six passengers, all of which shall be seated on crash-worthy seats; externally, it is capable of carrying cargoes of up to 1 tonne under-slung. LUH with glass cockpit[36] will be able to undertake various missions, including emergency medical services (EMS), troop transport, utility, search and rescue (S&R), VVIP, aerial reconnaissance and surveillance missions.[15][19]
LUH is powered by a single 750 KW rated Shakti-1U turboshaft engine derived from Safran Ardiden, co-developed by HAL and Turbomeca.[37] It supports dual channel Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) system along with backup fuel control system. The helicopter will be equipped with a glass cockpit featuring a Smart Cockpit Display System (SCDS) along with a skid-based landing gear arrangement.[15]
Operator[edit]
Ministry of Defence placed an initial order of 12 Light Utility Helicopters out of which 6 are for Indian Army and another 6 for the Indian Air Force. First LUH will be delivered by August 2022. Total 187 helicopters are planned out of which 126 LUH is planned for the Indian Army with the remaining 61 for the Indian Air Force.[38] Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on 2 November 2021 approved purchase of 12 Limited Series Production (LSP) variant of LUH.[34]
Specifications[edit]
Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft,[39] HAL[40]
General characteristics
Crew: 2
Capacity: 6 passengers
Length: 11.49 m (37 ft 8.25 in)
Height: 3.38 m (11 ft 1 in) up to the top of the tailfin
Empty weight: 1,910 kg (4,211 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 3,150 kg (6,945 lb)
Powerplant: 1 × HAL/Turbomeca Shakti-1U[41] turboshaft engine, 798 kW (1,070 shp) derated
Main rotor diameter: 11.6 m (38 ft 0.75 in)
Performance
Maximum speed: 250 km/h (155 mph, 135 kn)
Cruise speed: 235 km/h (146 mph, 127 kn)
Never exceed speed: 259 km/h (161 mph, 140 kn)
Range: 350 km (217 mi, 189 nmi) with 500 kg payload
Ferry range: 500 km (310 mi, 270 nmi) on internal fuel
Service ceiling: 6,500 m (21,300 ft)
Rate of climb: 6.66 m/s (1,426 ft/min)
HAL Dhruv
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Dhruv
Dhruv Mk. III MR of Indian Coast Guard.
Role
Utility helicopter
National origin
India
Manufacturer
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Design group
Rotary Wing Research and Design Center[1]
First flight
20 August 1992[2]
Introduction
March 2002[3]
Status
In service
Primary users
Indian Army
Indian Air Force
Indian Navy
Produced
1992–present
Number built
355 [4]
Variants
HAL Rudra
Developed into
HAL Light Combat Helicopter
HAL Light Utility Helicopter
The HAL Dhruv is a utility helicopter designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The development of HAL Dhruv was announced in November 1984. The helicopter first flew in 1992; however, its development was prolonged due to multiple factors including the Indian Army's requirement for design changes, budget restrictions, and sanctions placed on India following the 1998 Pokhran-II nuclear tests. The name comes from a Sanskrit origin word dhruv which means unshakeable or firm.[5]
Dhruv entered service in 2002. It is designed to meet the requirement of both military and civil operators, with military variants of the helicopter being developed for the Indian Armed Forces, while a variant for civilian/commercial use has also been developed. Military versions in production include transport, utility, reconnaissance and medical evacuation variants. Based on the Dhruv platform, the HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) a dedicated attack helicopter and HAL Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), a utility and observation helicopter, are currently being developed.
As of January 2022, 335 HAL Dhruv have been produced for domestic and export markets logging more than 340,000 flying hours.[4]
Contents
1Development
1.1Origins
1.2Further development
2Design
3Operational history
3.1Indian service
3.2Foreign sales
3.2.1Overview
3.2.2South America
3.2.3Others
4Variants
4.1Military variants
4.2Civil variants
5Operators
5.1Military operators
5.1.1Former Military Operators
5.2Civil operators
5.3Potential operators
6Specifications
7See also
8References
9External links
Development[edit]
Origins[edit]
The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) program for an indigenous 5-ton multirole helicopter was initiated in May 1979 by the Indian Air Force and Indian Naval Air Arm.[6] HAL were given a contract by the Indian government in 1984 to develop the helicopter;[6][7] Germany's Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm (MBB) were contracted in July 1984 as a design consultant and collaborative partner on the programme.[8][9] Although originally scheduled to fly in 1989, the first prototype ALH (Z-3182) made its maiden flight on 20 August 1992 at Bangalore with the then-Indian Vice President K R Narayanan in attendance.[10] This was followed by a second prototype (Z-3183) on 18 April 1993, an Army/Air Force version (Z-3268), and a navalised prototype (IN.901) with Allied Signal CTS800 engines and a retractable tricycle undercarriage.[11] Development problems arose due to changing military demands and a funding shortfall in the wake of the 1991 Indian economic crisis.[6]
Naval testing on board INS Viraat and other ships started in March 1998, and around the same time a weight-reduction programme was initiated.[12] However, further delays in development were caused when sanctions were implemented against India following a number of Pokhran-II nuclear tests in 1998 and India's continued refusal to sign the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. As a result, the intended engine for the helicopter, the LHTEC T800, was embargoed.[12][13] The Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 turboshaft engine was selected as a replacement; in addition Turbomeca agreed to co-develop a more powerful engine with HAL, originally known as the Ardiden.[14] Turbomeca also assisted in the development of the helicopter, stress analysis and studies of rotor dynamics were conducted in France.[15] The first flight of Dhruv with new engine variant, called the Shakti, took place on 16 August 2007.[16][17]
Further development[edit]
The HAL Rudra, earlier known as Dhruv-WSI (Weapons Systems Integrated), is an attack variant designed for the Indian Army.[18] Development was sanctioned in December 1998[19] and the prototype first flew on 16 August 2007; it is to be armed with both anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles, and a 20-mm turret-mounted cannon.[20] The Dhruv-WSI is to be capable of conducting combat air support (CAS) and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) roles as well.[21] In addition to the Dhruv-WSI, HAL is also developing the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) based on the Dhruv for the Indian Armed Forces. It is fitted with stub wings for carrying up to eight anti-armour missiles, four air-to-air missiles, or four pods loaded with either 70 mm or 68 mm rockets. The LCH will also have FLIR (Forward Looking Infrared), a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) camera, and a target acquisition system with laser rangefinder and thermal vision.[22]
A Dhruv of the Indian Army
In 2005, following a crash landing of a Dhruv, the entire fleet was grounded when it was discovered to have been caused by excessive vibration of the tail rotor. Following a redesign which incorporated new materials in addition to changes in design methodology, the Dhruv undertook recertification and returned to service shortly after March 2006.[23][24] In April 2007, a report published by the Indian Committee of Defence noted the Dhruv as one of four "focus areas" identified as having high export potential.[25] In January 2011, HAL and partner Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) announced that they were jointly developing the Dhruv to operate as an unmanned maritime helicopter, stating customer interest in such a feature.[26]
The first five production Dhruv Mk III, powered by the more powerful Shakti-1H engine, were delivered to the Leh-based 205 Aviation Squadron on 7 February 2011 during a ceremony at HAL's Helicopter Division.[27] In July 2011, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation certified a Dhruv simulator developed by HAL and Canadian developer CAE Inc; the simulator is easily modifiable to simulate different variants of the Dhruv and other helicopters such as the Eurocopter Dauphin.[28] Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory (DEBEL) has been developing an oxygen life-support system to improve the helicopter's high-altitude performance, and as of August 2010 the IAF has ordered development of this system for the Dhruv.[29]
In February 2012, HAL reported that the Indian Army had ordered a further 159.[30]
Design[edit]
A Dhruv, in Sarang display markings, at Aero India 2011
The HAL Dhruv is of conventional design; about 29 percent of its empty weight (constituting 60 percent of the airframe's surface area) is composite materials.[31] It has been reported that the unique carbon fibre composite developed by HAL reduced the helicopter's weight by 50 percent.[32] The high tail boom allows easy access to the rear doors. The twin 1000 shp TurbunStink TM333-2B2 turboshafts are mounted above the cabin and drive a four-blade composite main rotor. The main rotor can be manually folded; the blades are mounted between carbon-fibre-reinforced plates, the rotor head is constructed from fibre elastomers.[8] In February 2004, US helicopter company Lord Corporation were awarded a contract to develop an active vibration control system (AVCS), which monitors onboard conditions and cancels out fuselage vibrations.[33]
The cockpit section of the fuselage is of Kevlar and carbon-fibre construction; it is also fitted with crumple zones and crashworthy seats. The aircraft is equipped with a SFIM Inc four-axis automatic flight control system. Avionics systems include a HF/UHF communications radio, IFF recognition, Doppler navigation, and a radio altimeter; a weather radar and the Omega navigation system were options for the naval variant.[34] IAI has also developed targeting systems and an electronic warfare suite for the Dhruv, as well as avionics for day-and-night flight observation.[26] HAL's claim that the Dhruv is indigenous has been challenged by Comptroller and Auditor General of India, who reported that as of August 2010 the helicopter was: "...against the envisaged indigenisation level of 50% (by 2008), 90% of the value of material used in each ALH is still imported from foreign suppliers".[35]
HAL Dhruv MK-III of the Indian Coast Guard
In September 2010, it was reported that the Dhruv's Integrated Dynamic System (IDS), which combines several key rotor control functions into a single module carrying the engine's power to the rotors,[8] was suffering from excessive wear, necessitating frequent replacement; as a consequence the cruising speed had been restricted to 250 km/h and high-altitude performance was lessened as well. HAL contracted Italian aerospace firm Avio for consultancy purposes and they subsequently replicated production of the IDS in Italy in order to isolate the problem with the early testing of the Dhruv subsequently being criticized as "rushed".[36] In June 2011 HAL has reported that the issue had been resolved and not present in the Dhruv Mk III, a number of alterations both to the design and production had been made to improve the IDS. A programme of retrofitting the Mk I and Mk II was completed by June 2011.[37]
The ALH Mk-III with new Shakti-1H engines has very good high altitude performance operating at altitudes over 6 km. It comes with seating for 14 fully equipped troops. DGCA has praised its crashworthy design as a few accidents have not caused any fatalities.[38]
Operational history[edit]
Indian service[edit]
Dhruv Mk.III towed inside the hangar of an Indian Coast Guard patrol vessel.
Deliveries of the Dhruv commenced in January 2002, nine years after the prototype's first flight, and nearly eighteen years after the program was initiated.[11] The Indian Coast Guard was the first service to operate the Dhruv; this was followed by the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Air Force and the Border Security Force. 75 Dhruvs were delivered to the Indian armed forces by 2007, and as of 2008 it was planned to produce 40 helicopters annually.[39] The Indian Air Force's Sarang aerobatic display team performs using 4 Dhruv helicopters.[40] In 2007, a further order for 166 helicopters was placed by the Indian Army.[41][42] India may order up to 12 Dhruvs outfitted with an onboard emergency medical suite, to be used by the Armed Forces Medical Services for MEDEVAC purposes.[43]
The Dhruv is capable of flying at high altitudes, as it was an Army requirement for the helicopter to be able operate in the Siachen Glacier and Kashmir regions. In September 2007, the Dhruv Mk.3 was cleared for high-altitude flying in the Siachen Sector after six months of trials.[44][45] In October 2007, a Dhruv Mk.3 flew to an altitude of 27,500 feet (8,400 m) ASL in Siachen.[46] An Indian Army report in 2009 criticised the Dhruv's performance, stating: "The ALH was not able to fly above 5,000m, though the army's requirements stipulated an ability to fly up to 6,500m"; this has been blamed on the TM333 engine. As a consequence the Army had to continue relying on the older Cheetah/Cheetal helicopters to meet the shortfall.[47] The more powerful Shakti-1H engine has since been introduced on the Dhruv Mk.3; on one test it carried 600 kg load to Sonam Post against the Army's requirement of 200 kg.[48] The Indian Army received the first batch of Dhruv Mk.3s during Aero India 2011.[49]
HAL Dhruv of Indian Navy during special operation with MARCOS
In October 2008, Defence Minister A. K. Antony announced that the Indian Navy will deploy the Dhruv in the utility role. The proposed anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variant had been deemed unsuitable by the Navy, which was reportedly dissatisfied with the folding blade performance and maintenance record.[50][51] In 2015, HAL modified the foldable rotor's design to allow the Dhruv to be carried on board light frigates; several Indian Navy helicopters shall receive this modification.[52] The Navy has considered the Dhruv for maritime surveillance and search and rescue roles,[53] and in 2008 a senior Navy official said: "The ALH has a long way to go before the programme matures sufficiently for it to undertake basic naval roles such as search and rescue (SAR) and communication duties."[54] In 2013, the Indian Navy was reportedly interested in the HAL Rudra, the armed version of the Dhruv.[55] On 12 November 2013, the Indian Navy commissioned their first Dhruv squadron (INAS 322, Guardians); Vice Admiral Sinha stated that "In the Navy, Dhruv helicopters had transformed into an advanced search and rescue (SAR) helicopter, which is also used for missions like heliborne operations, and armed patrol with night vision devices".[56]
Sarang display helicopter display team of the IAF
Civil Dhruv variants are produced for transport, rescue, policing, offshore operations, air-ambulance, and other roles.[57] The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) placed an order for 12 Dhruv helicopters equipped with a full medical suite, including ventilators and two stretchers.[58] In 2008, it was announced that India's Home Ministry had ordered six Dhruvs.[59] The Oil and Natural Gas Corporation are to use the Dhruv for offshore operations. Several Indian state governments are to use Dhruvs for police and transportation duties.[43] In March 2011, India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation released a proposed airworthiness directive asking all civilian Dhruv operators to temporarily ground their aircraft due to cracks potentially forming in the tail area, and recommended reinforcing affected areas.[60][61]
HAL Dhruv and HAL Rudra in Rudra formation over Rajpath, at the Republic Day Celebrations, on 26 January 2020.
Following the 2011 Sikkim earthquake, four Dhruvs conducted rescue operations.[62] In October 2011, Jharkhand's regional government appealed for Mil Mi-17 helicopters as operations of their Dhruvs had been disrupted by prolonged maintenance delays and a major crash.[63][64] In October 2011, The Telegraph reported that a spate of helicopter crashes, including the Dhruv, were alleged to have been caused by low quality maintenance work performed by Pawan Hans Helicopters Ltd.[65] In February 2012, the Home Ministry reported that the Dhruv remained grounded and that other helicopters such as the Mi-17 were being wet-leased in its place and that in the long term the Dhruv fleet is to be replaced.[66]
HAL rolls out 300th Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter
Six Army Dhruvs along with 18 Air Force Dhruvs were used during rescue operations after the 2013 North India floods. Their compact size, agility, ability to carry up to 16 people to heights of 10,000 feet, and to evacuate stranded people from inaccessible regions was praised.[67][68][69] The Dhruv could carry more people from high-altitude helipads than the heavier Mi-17, and land where the lighter Bell 407 could not. Total flight time during Operation Rahat and Operation Surya Hope was 630 hours, of which 550 hours were dedicated to SAR missions.[67][70]
In January 2014, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) inducted a Dhruv equipped with a heliborne geophysical survey system (HGSS). Costing ₹63 crore (US$8 million), the HGSS can conduct magnetic, spectrometric and gravity surveys.[71][72][73] In March 2017, HAL received an order for 32 Dhruv for Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. This was followed by an order of 41 helicopters for Indian Army and Indian Navy.[74] In May 2018, Israel Aerospace Industries was awarded a contract to upgrade cockpits of 150 Dhruv helicopters, in addition to 50 that had been contracted earlier.[75]
Technicians attaching underslung load on an Indian Navy Dhruv
On February 5, 2021, the Indian Navy tweeted that it has received the Advanced Light Helicopter MK III (MR) alongside the Indian Coast Guard.[76] In February 2021, HAL announced that it had rolled out the 300th Advance Light Helicopter out of its production line in Bangalore.
There have been 16 accidents involving the Dhruv Helicopters (ALH) ever since the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited began producing them in 2002; the Indian government reported Parliament on 8 March 2016.[77] On 8 August 2021, the Indian Army’s HAL Dhruv helicopter crashed into the water near Ranjit Sagar Dam.[78][79] On 25 January 25, 2021, the Indian Army’s Druv helicopter crashed in Kathua district’s Lakhanpur near Jammu and Kashmir-Punjab border killing one of the pilots.[80][81]
Foreign sales[edit]
Overview[edit]
The Dhruv has become the first major Indian weapons system to have secured large foreign sales. In 2004 HAL stated that it hoped to sell 120 Dhruvs over the next eight years,[82] and has been displaying the Dhruv at airshows, including Farnborough and Paris in order to market the Dhruv.[83] HAL has entered into a partnership with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) to develop and promote the Dhruv, IAI has also helped develop new avionics and a glass cockpit for newer variants of the Dhruv.[84]
With a unit price at least 15 percent less than its rivals, the Dhruv has elicited interest in many countries, mostly from Latin America, Africa, West Asia, South East Asia and the Pacific Rim nations. Air forces from around 35 countries have made inquiries, along with requests for demonstrations.[85] Flight certification for Europe and North America is also being planned in order to tap the large civilian market there.[86]
South America[edit]
Dhruv helicopters of the Ecuadorian Air Force
HAL has secured an order from the Ecuadorian Air Force (EAF) for seven Dhruvs, amidst strong competition from Elbit, Eurocopter and Kazan. HAL's offer of US$50.7 million was about 32 percent lower than the second lowest bid from Elbit.[87] 5 helicopters were delivered in February 2009, during Aero India 2009.[88] Both the Ecuadorian Army and Ecuadorian Navy have since expressed interest in the Dhruvs.[89] The Dhruv has been involved in search and rescue, transport, and MEDEVAC missions in the north of the country.[90]
Following the crash of one of the Dhruvs in October 2009, Ecuador reportedly considered returning their six helicopters to HAL amid claims of being unfit for service;[91] EAF commander Genl. Rodrigo Bohorquez stated "If it is a major problem that can't be easily remedied, we would have to return [the Dhruv]." HAL assisted the crash investigation, which found the cause to be pilot error.[92] In February 2011, the EAF were reported to be satisfied with the Dhruv's performance and was considering further orders.[93] By October 2015, a total of four Ecuadorian Dhruvs had crashed reportedly due to mechanical equipment and Ecuador grounded the type.[94] In October 2015 Ecuador cancelled the contract and withdrew the surviving helicopters from service, non-delivery of parts and high accident rate were cited.[95] In 2016, the Ecuadorian Minister of Defence Ricardo Patiño announced that the remainder of the HAL Dhruv helicopters of the Ecuadorian Air Force, which are stored at the Guayaquil Air Base are for sale and that the Air Force is looking for potential buyers.[96] The Government of Ecuador had unilaterally terminated the contract with HAL citing safety concerns of the helicopters.[97]
The Dhruv participated in a Chilean tender for eight to ten twin-engined helicopters, conducting a series of evaluation flights to demonstrate the capabilities of its avionics and flight performance; however, it lost out to the Bell 412,[98][99] although there were media accusations of unfair pressure being exercised by the US Government to favour Bell.[85][100]
In June 2008, the government of Peru ordered two air ambulance Dhruvs for use by the Peruvian health services.[101] HAL has reportedly been negotiating with Bolivia for five Dhruvs; and with Venezuela for up to seven.[102]
Others[edit]
Dhruv civil variant
A civilian Dhruv was leased to the Israeli Defense Ministry in 2004; IAI has also made use of the Defense Ministry's Dhruv for marketing and public relations purposes.[32][103][104] In July 2006, Air Force Commander of India Shashindra Pal Tyagi commented that India would purchase as many as 80 Mi-17 helicopters if Russia in turn bought Dhruv helicopters in exchange.[105]
In early 2004, the first foreign order for the Dhruv was placed by Nepal for two examples.[106] In August 2008, a deal was reportedly finalised with Turkey for three Dhruvs for US$20 million, with plans to buy as many as 17 of the helicopters for use in the medical assistance role.[102][107] The Dhruv has also been offered to Malaysia,[108] while it is also being evaluated by the Indonesian Army.[109]
In 2007, Amnesty International stated it possessed evidence that India planned to transfer two Dhruvs to Burma, and pointed to the use of European-sourced components as a possible violation of the European Union (EU) arms embargo against that country.[110][111][112] The Indian government disputed Amnesty's claims and denied any wrongdoing.[113]
In April 2010, the Indian Navy gifted a Dhruv to the Maldives National Defence Force for conducting search and rescue and medical evacuation,[114] while a second Mk.III equipped with a weather radar was donated in December 2013. The first helicopter is based at Addu Atoll and the second will be based at Hanimaadhoo.[115]
HAL Dhruv helicopter gifted to Maldives
In November 2014, India gifted a Dhruv to Nepal as part of a strategic pact.[116]
Variants[edit]
Military variants[edit]
A HAL Dhruv military variant with cargo bay open
Mk.1
The initial configuration with a conventional cockpit with mechanical gauges and Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 turboshaft engines. A total of 56 have been delivered to the Indian military.[117] Manufacturing began in 2001.[118]
Mk.2
Similar to the Mk.1, except has the newer HAL-IAI glass cockpit. A total of 20 have been delivered to the Indian military.[117] Manufacturing began in 2007.[118]
Mk.3
An improved version equipped with Shakti-1H engines, new electronic warfare (EW) suite and warning systems, automatic chaff and flare dispensers, and improved vibration control system.[119] The first batch were inducted into service in 2012.[120]
Mk.3 Coast Guard
Same in performance to the Mk.3 however, has additional equipment such as a cabin mountain MG, High Intensity Search Light and a loud hailer.[121]
Mk. 3 Navy
Same in performance to the Mk.3 however, has additional equipment such as a modern surveillance radar and electro-optical equipment to carry out maritime reconnaissance as well as long-range search and rescue missions, an HMG and the capability to mount at least 2 ASW torpedoes. [122]
Mk.4
Also known as Dhruv-WSI (Weapons System Integrated) or HAL Rudra[123][124]
Civil variants[edit]
Dhruv (C)
Also known as ALH-Civil, a Turbomeca TM333-2B2-powered 12-seat helicopter, type certificate issued on 31 October 2003.[125]
Dhruv (CFW)
A Turbomeca TM333-2B2-powered 12-seat helicopter fitted with wheels, type certificate issued on 20 April 2005.[125]
Dhruv (CS)
A Turbomeca TM333-2B2-powered 12-seat helicopter fitted with skids, type certificate issued on 30 July 2004.[125]
Garuda Vasudha
A Dhruv outfitted with a heliborne geophysical survey system (HGSS).[71]
Operators[edit]
Map of Dhruv operators in blue, former operator(s) in red.
Military operators[edit]
HAL Dhruv operated by Indian Coast Guard
US Army
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