HAL delivers 3 ALH Dhruv helicopters to Indian Army

State-owned aviation major, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Thursday delivered to the Indian Army the first of the three Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH Dhruvs) as part of the 22 ALH Mk III contract. The presentation was at the ongoing Aero India 2019 at Yelahanka Air Station.

HAL had entered into a contract with the Indian Army for 40 ALH (22 ALH Mk III and 18 Mk IV Rudra) in August 2017. Of the 22 helicopters, 19 helicopters have already been produced and will be progressively delivered, the aviation major said in an official statement.

The documents were handed over to Lt Gen Kanwal Kumar, Director General Army Aviation by GVS Bhaskar, Chief Executive Officer, Helicopter Division, HAL.

The ALH (Dhruv) is a multi-role, new generation helicopter in the 5.5-ton weight class, indigenously designed and developed by HAL. Powered by two Shakti engines, it is suited for a high-speed cruise for rapid deployment and to maximize the area of operations.

The basic helicopter is produced in skid version and wheeled version. In the wheeled version, options for fixed and retractable undercarriages are available.