The indigenously designed and developed Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-DHRUV) is a twin engine, multi-role, multi-mission new generation helicopter in the 5.5 ton weight class. The basic Helicopter is produced in skid version and wheeled version. Dhruv is “type –Certified” for Military operations by the Centre for Military Airworthiness Certification (CEMILAC) and civil operations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

    Certification of the utility military variant was completed in 2002 and that of the civil variant was completed in 2004.  The deliveries of production series helicopters commenced from 2001-02 onwards.  A total of 345 Helicopters have been produced by June 2024 including 313 for the Indian Armed Forces.

    The major variants of Dhruv are classified as Dhruv Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III & Mk-IV. The major features are furnished below:

    Variant

    Variant Power Plant / Major Systems Roles
    ALH Mk. I – TM-333-2B2 engine
    –  Conventional cockpit    		 Utility
    ALH Mk. II – TM-333-2B2 engine
    –  Integrated Architecture Display system (Glass cockpit)    		 Utility
    ALH Mk.III – Shakti engine
    –  IADS with Digital Moving Map
    –  Electronic Warfare Suite
    –  Electro Optical pod
    –  Counter Measure Dispensing system
    –  Infra Red Suppressor
    –  Health & Usage Monitoring system
    – Solid State Digital Video Recorder (SSDVR)
    –  Engine Particle Separator    		 Utility roles of Defence Services suited for high altitude operations
    ALH Mk. IV ALH Mk.III with weapon systems
    and mission sensors like
    –  Turret Gun
    –  Rocket
    –  Air-to-Air Missile
    –  Air-to-Ground Missile
    –  Helmet Pointing System
    –  Data Link
    –  Infra Red Jammer
    –  Obstacle Avoidance System    		 Armed variant for Attack, Close Air Support and High altitude operations.

     

    Technical Parameters

      ALH Mk-III ALH Mk-IV
    Length 15.9 m 15.9 m
    Width 13.2 m 13.2 m
    Height 4.98 m 4.98 m
    Max Take Off Weight 5500 kg 5800 kg
    Never Exceed Speed (VNE) 292 Km/h 245 Km/h
    Range 630 km 590 km
    Endurance 3.65hr 3.8 hr
    PAX 12 + 2  

    Features of Dhruv

    • Composite Hinge less Interchangeable Main Rotor Blades
    • Composite Bearing less Tail Rotor Blades
    • Composite Air Frame
    • Glass Cockpit & AFCS
    • Chaff & Flare Dispenser
    • Helmet Pointing System (HPS)
    • Health & Usage Monitoring System
    • Digital Video Recording System
    • VOR/ILS/DME
    • EO Pod with FLIR, LRF & LP
    • IR Suppressor
    • FADEC
    • Integrated Self Protection Suite
    • Digital Moving Map
    • On Board Inert Gas Generation System

    Power Plant

    TM 333 – 2B2 (For Dhruv Mk-I and Mk-II) & ARDIDEN 1H1 (Shakti) (for Dhruv Mk III & Mk IV).

     
      TM 333 – 2B2 SHAKTI
    – Dry wt. 167.5 kg 205 kg
    – Max. Power 801 kW 1032 kW
    – Specific Fuel Consumption 0.323 kg/kw hr 0.300 kg/kw hr

    Orders for Dhruv

    More than 340 Dhruv helicopters has been produced by HAL.

    In overseas market, Dhruv is operated by Mauritius Police & Nepal Army.

    Current customers of civil variant Dhruv includes Indian Border Security Force and Govt. of Jharkhand

    More orders are expected from Indian Defence, Civil & Export Markets.

     
     
    ALH Sarang

    Sarang – the ALH (Dhruv) display team of Indian Air force formed in October 2003 with the aim of showcasing the excellent agility, controllability & maneurability of ALH. The word Sarang means peacock in Sanskrit and the team epitomizes beauty and grace of peacock – the hallmark of its display.

    The Sarang team has displayed its capability at prestigious Air Shows at Aero India, Paris, Farnborough, Berlin, Singapore, Al-Ain etc.  The team has also performed during various prestigious events such as Air Force Day, National Defence Academy Passing Out Parade and other events of national and international significance.

    The team displayed its skill and versatility with single cross, dolphin leap, double cross etc. and weaved beautiful array in the sky. The team continuously strives to upgrade and perform new profiles for each display.

    • Shakti Engine (For Dhruv Mk-III & Mk-IV)
      • 12 % Higher power than TM 333 2B2 engine
      • Dual centrifugal compressor assembly
      • Single crystal blades
      • Dual channel FADEC
    • Roles of Dhruv
      • Passenger / Commuter Role
      • VIP Travel
      • Causality Evacuation
      • Under Slung Load
      • Rapid Deployment of Forces
      • Logistic Air Support
      • Search and Rescue
      • Training
    • Weapon fitment on ALH Mk-IV
      • 20 mm Turret Gun
      • 70 mm Rocket
      • Air to Air Missile

    Production Unit

    Helicopter Division, Bangalore

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