From Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Feb 22: Central public sector undertaking HAL handed over first three Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) as part of the 22 ALH MK III contract to the Indian Army during the on-going Aero India 2019 in Bengaluru on Friday, February 22.

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 documents were handed over to Lt Gen Kanwal Kumar, Director General Army Aviation by GVS Bhaskar Chief Executive Officer, Helicopter Division in the presence of R Madhavan, CMD, HAL.
Officials from the Army, HAL, DGAQA and RCMA were present on the occasion.

The Advanced Light Helicopter (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 provides superlative performance throughout its flight envelope. 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.

HAL signs MoU with CPWD for Helicopter unit at Tumakuru

Meanwhile, in a major development, the HAL has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for the execution of the stage 2 works of Infrastructure development works at its Green Field Helicopter factory in Tumakuru.

The MoU was signed by GVS Bhaskar, Chief Executive Officer, Helicopter Complex and Rajesh Jain, Chief Project Manager (CPM), HAL project zone, CPWD in the presence of R Madhavan, CMD, HAL.

The stage 2 works include development of infrastructure for structural assembly and equipping of helicopters at Tumakuru. The project will be executed in a phased manner.

V Natarajan, ED Helicopter Division, Ambuvelan, GM, Helicopter Division, RK Soni, ADG, CPWD, SN Rai, CE, CPWD were present on the occasion.

The new Helicopter factory coming up in a 615 acres green field campus would be fully self-sufficient for manufacturing full range of helicopters from 3 tonne to 12 tonnes category and shall comprise of state of the art manufacturing, structural assembly, final assembly-line facilities, heli-runway, aerodrome, residential township for the staff, recreational facilities, a well-equipped training and development centre etc.