Dhruv demonstrated to Chilean Air Force, Army, and Naval Aviation Units

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Grumpy Old Man
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Indian Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters Demonstrated to Chilean Air Force, Army, and Naval Aviation Units


(Source: Israel Aircraft Industries; issued July 21, 2004)


FARNBOROUGH --- The combined Chilean Armed Services recently completed a series of evaluation tests of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter which is manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and features an avionics system and glass cockpit provided by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd. (IAI).

HAL and IAI demonstrated the Dhruv's capabilities in various configurations that would correspond to the Chilean Armed Services operational requirements. The HAL/IAI team, which consisted of pilots, engineers and logistics specialists, brought four Dhruv helicopters to Chile, along with ground support equipment, spare parts and documentation.

The demonstrations in Chile were performed under a joint venture company owned by IAI and HAL, which is responsible for worldwide marketing and product support for the international version of the Dhruv helicopter.

The helicopters flew in different terrains and weather conditions and also flew high-altitude missions and long distance ferry flights. Evaluation flights, conducted in Chile, included the following capabilities demonstration:

-- Max. Internal load
-- Max. Internal load – underslung
-- Avionics and systems capabilities
-- Vertical climb, Decent, maneuvers, Net of Earth (NOE)
-- Troops slithering – "fast rope"
-- Search and Rescue mission
-- Drop commando troops
-- Rescue hoist operation

HAL's Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) is a multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter in the 5.5 tone weight class. Its state-of-the-art technology provides for lightweight and yet rugged construction, superior automated fuel management system and excellent all weather day and night capability. The ALH incorporated advanced features such as hingeless composite main rotor with elastomeric bearings, bearingless tail rotor & integrated extensive use of composites, ensures low life cycle costs & high power to weight ration apart from providing a high degree of survivability.

The ALH features IAI's integrated avionics package especially designed for helicopters. This package includes a "Glass Cockpit" concept utilizing a comprehensive electronic warfare suite, day and night observation capability, a targeting system and a flexible armaments carrying capability. IAI's Lahav Division developed the modular avionics package based on the same core avionics successfully utilized by Lahav in recent combat aircraft upgrade programs. The already combat proven package will enable helicpters to operate effectively and safely in modern battlefield conditions. The Israel Defense Force's vast combat experience is incorporated into IAI/Lahav's modular avionics package for helicopters. Its "Glass Cockpit" concept, comprehensive electronic warfare suite, day and night observation and targeting system, and flexible armament package have all been combat proven.

The ALH has been designed to meet the most challenging and stringent requirements of the Armed Forces and to the specifications of FAR 29. Further, ALH is most suitable to operate in varied climatic conditions, including hot and humid environment. ALH, with its proven high altitude performance, versatility & wide spectrum of operational capability, is able to offer excellent services and optimized solutions to meet a variety of demands from operators over land and sea. With passenger/troop capacity of 12-14 and wide range of applications like transportation, VIP communication, search and rescue, emergency medical services, law enforcement, off-shore operations, tourism and disaster management, the ALH Dhruv is an ideal vehicle for both military and civil applications.

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