India officially launched the new next-generation civil helicopter DHRUV-NG during a ceremony in Bangalore. The event was attended by Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu and executives of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
The DHRUV-NG belongs to the class of light twin-engine helicopters with a maximum take-off weight of 5.5 tons.
The aircraft is equipped with Indian Shakti-1H1C turboshaft engines, enabling speeds of up to 285 km/h and allowing the transport of up to 14 passengers.
The most important innovations include a fully digital cockpit with AS4-compliant glass cockpit, a modern avionics system and improvements to the vibration damping systems to increase on-board comfort.
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The Shakti-1H1C-Motor was developed as part of a joint project by HAL and Safran Helicopter Engines developed.
Development began between 2002 and 2003 with the aim of replacing the less powerful Turbomeca TM 333-2B2, which was introduced in the Dhruvhelicopters were used.
The base model Ardiden 1H1, known in India as Shakti, received European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification in 2009 and has been produced locally since then.
The DHRUV-NG is designed for both the domestic and export markets and is considered a key element of India’s strategy to expand the civil helicopter sector. During the event, Ram Mohan Naidu said that India needs around 1,000 to 1,500 helicopters as the country’s current fleet is estimated to be around 300 units.
According to HAL, the new helicopter is considered one of the most important projects to strengthen the national rotorcraft industry. It contributes to reducing dependence on imported technologies and developing local industrial capabilities in the aviation sector.
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Source and images: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Content created with the power of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
