JOIN USThe first indigenously built Weapon System Integrated Advanced Light Helicopter, Rudra, was handed over to the Indian Army by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) here at the Aero India on Friday.
R K Tyagi, Chairperson, HAL, said: “The handing over of Rudra was a symbol of defence preparedness and assured HAL’s commitment towards all the projects of the Army.”
Deputy Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen Narendra Singh said the chopper, true to its name, is a modern helicopter with the state-of-the-art weaponry. “This combat platform would help the Army to march ahead towards victory in future battles, if any,” he said.
Rudra is the Mk-IV variant of the Advanced Light Helicopter designed and manufactured by HAL. The helicopter is fitted with weapons, targeting systems, warning and counter-measure systems and survivability features.
A weaponised platform, Rudra caters to attack roles with self-defence capability. The helicopter is fitted with three sighting systems, that is, electro-optic pod, helmet-mounted sight and fixed sight.
Further, a 20mm Turret Gun is fitted in the nose of the helicopter and the combination of 70mm rockets, air-to-air missiles and anti-tank guided missiles can be fitted on the four weapon stations.
The warning and counter-measures include Radar Laser Missile Warning Systems and Flare Chaff Dispensers. The helicopter has growth potential for additional systems like obstacle avoidance system, IR jammer, data link and others.