A Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-built multi-role helicopter named Dhruv NG took off for the first time today and Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu called it a “major milestone of Atmanirbharta”.
Ram Mohan Naidu joined X and said, “It is an honor to signal a defining launch for the Indian civil aviation ecosystem. The inaugural test flight of HAL’s advanced light civil helicopter ‘Dhruv NG’ marks a major milestone on the Atmanirbharta.”
“The Made-in-India rotary wing for civil and commercial operations is a proud testament to our indigenous engineering capabilities. It reflects India’s strength to design, develop and manufacture world-class helicopters…Dhruv with the original Shakti engine reinforces our rise as a reliable global aerospace manufacturing hub,” he said after decommissioning the helicopter.
Billed as an alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters, the Dhruv NG helicopter took off for the first time on Tuesday, December 30 in Bengaluru.
Before take-off, Ram Mohan Naidu also inspected the helicopter’s advanced systems and functions by getting into the cockpit with the pilot.
About Dhruv NG
- The helicopter was designed and manufactured by HAL.
- It is a 5.5 ton twin-engine “Shakti 1H1C” helicopter. It also boasts self-sealing fuel tanks. The chopper has advanced vibration control systems to ensure a smooth ride, tailored for VIP and medical transport, PTI reported.
- Officials said the helicopter boasts of modern features in terms of ride quality and safety.
- The helicopter features a premium civil-certified glass cockpit and a modern avionics suite that offers excellent situational awareness.
- It has a maximum speed of around 285 km/h and a range of around 630 km, with a maximum capacity of 14 passengers.
- Endurance around three hours and 40 minutes, service reach around 6,000 meters (capable at high altitudes) and internal payload around 1,000 kg.
- It is equipped with four stretchers and can carry a doctor and a nurse.
After decommissioning the helicopter, Ram Mohan Naidu addressed the gathering and said the launch marked “a very important milestone in the history of Indian aviation” as he congratulated the HAL team, engineers and technicians for the achievement.
The Minister said: “This is a particularly proud moment for me as Civil Aviation Minister.”
“We are estimated to add more than 1,000 helicopters in the next 10-15 years, enabling the regional connectivity system UDAN – Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik – driven by the Prime Minister’s mission to make aviation more inclusive, democratic and efficient,” he added.
