HAL Dhruv Mk.1

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited · India · first flew 1992 · helicopter

The HAL Dhruv Mk.1 (Advanced Light Helicopter) is the initial production variant of India's first indigenously designed and manufactured military helicopter, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited with German technical assistance from MBB.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, rotary
E — Engines	2 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted
F — Fuselage	15.87 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Indian-designed twin-turboshaft utility helicopter
Four-blade bearingless composite main rotor
Fenestron-style tail rotor enclosed in fin

Distinctive four-blade composite main rotor with a bearingless hub, enclosed fenestron-type tail rotor in the fin, and a twin-turboshaft engine installation above a pod-and-boom fuselage.

Specifications

The HAL Dhruv Mk.1 has a length of 15.87 m (52 ft).
It has a wingspan of 13.2 m (43 ft).
Its maximum speed is 245 km/h (152 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

India launched the Advanced Light Helicopter programme in the 1980s with the aim of achieving self-sufficiency in rotorcraft production, partnering with MBB (later Eurocopter) for technical support. The prototype first flew in 1992 and the Dhruv entered service with the Indian Army and Air Force from 2002. The Mk.1 used Turbomeca/HAL TM333-2B2 turboshaft engines before later marks switched to the more powerful Shakti engine.

Variants

Later marks include the Mk.2, Mk.3, and Mk.4 with improved Shakti engines; an armed variant designated the Rudra and a naval version also exist.

Where you'll see it

Serves with the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard; exported to Nepal, Ecuador, and Mauritius.

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