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HAL Rudra

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Rudra
HAL Rudra at Aero India 2013
Role Attack helicopter
National origin India
Manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
First flight 16 August 2007
Introduction 2012
Status In Service, In production
Primary user Indian Army
Produced 2007-present
Developed from HAL Dhruv

The HAL Rudra, also known as ALH-WSI, is an armed version of HAL Dhruv. Rudra is equipped with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) and Thermal Imaging Sights Interface, a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rocket pods, anti-tank guided missiles and air-to-air missiles.[1]

Design and development

While flight testing the Light Combat Helicopter, a modified version of HAL Dhruv, the Indian Army came to the conclusion that without making any major modifications to the Dhruv air-frame, an armed variant can also be developed and delivered to the army quickly. This variant was named Rudra.[2]

The Rudra underwent integration trial for armament and electro-optical systems and a final round of weapon firing trials in September 2011, which included testing of the 20-mm turret gun. The 70 mm rockets and MBDA Mistral air-to-air missiles were tested in November 2011.[3] The helicopter exceeded the payload and performance requirements at the height of 6 km. It has integrated sensors, weapons and electronic warfare suite, and uses an upgraded version of the glass cockpit used in the HAL Dhruv Mk-III. The sensors include stabilised day and night cameras, infrared imaging as well as laser ranging and designation.[4] It has an Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) from SAAB, with electronic warfare self-protection which is fully integrated into the glass cockpit. On-board self-defence systems include radar & missile detectors, IR jammer, chaff and flare dispensers. The helicopter can be used in both unarmed and armed roles that include reconnaissance, troop transport, anti-tank warfare and close air support.[5]

The prototype Dhruv-WSI performing at Aero India 2009

In September 2012, ground tests for the first production Rudra were completed. It featured a turret gun, rockets, air-to-air missiles and could carry air-to-ground missiles like the anti-tank helicopter-launched Nag. HAL was awarded with a combined order of 76 Rudras for the Indian army, the primary customer, and the Indian air force.

The Indian Navy conducted flight trials in 2012-13, and found the helicopter suitable for coastal surveillance operations. It was impressed with the capability of the Rudra's sensors to track ships at 12 and 14 km. The image quality of the sensors was described as good enough to even read the name of ships at those ranges, and the navy was keen to order at least 20 helicopters.[6]

Service history

Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) was expected by late 2012 and deliveries of production helicopters were to start by 2013.[7] On 4 February 2013 during Aero India, the HAL Rudra Mk-IV achieved IOC,[8] and two helicopters were handed over to the army.[9]

Variants

Rudra, or ALH-WSI (Weapon Systems Integrated) has two main versions.

  • Mark III: This version has Electronic Warfare, countermeasures, sensors and targeting systems installed, but does not feature weapons.[10][11]
  • Mark IV: This version is to have a French Nexter 20 mm turret gun, Belgian 70 mm rockets, and MBDA air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, such as the anti-tank Helina missile.[10] All these systems have been tested individually.

Operators

 India

Specifications (Dhruv)

HAL/Turbomeca Shakti engine

Data from Indian Army,[14] Crawford,[15] HAL,[16] and Defense Update.[17]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1 or 2 pilots
  • Capacity: 12 passengers (14 passengers with high density seating) or 4 stretchers.

Performance Armament

Avionics

  • Elbit CoMPASS optoelectronic suite for reconnaissance and target acquisition
  • SAAB IDAS-3 self-protection suite

References

  1. ^ "YEAR-END REVIEW – 2010 DRDO". Press Information Bureau. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  2. ^ "Certified and ready, Indian Army to receive 1st weaponised Dhruv". SP's Land Forces. Retrieved 19 May 2014.
  3. ^ "Indian Army to Induct Weaponized Advanced Light Helicopter "Rudra" Soon". Defence News. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  4. ^ "India developing Agni VI". The Statesman. 8 February 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  5. ^ "Armed dhruv" (PDF). HAL. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  6. ^ "Navy keen on weaponised Dhruv". The Hindu. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2014.
  7. ^ "Electronic Warfare self-protection suites ordered for 'Dhruv'". Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  8. ^ HAL Receives IOC for ALH Rudra - Defense-Aerospace.com, February 4, 2013
  9. ^ Ajai Shukla (7 February 2013). "Growing indigenous presence at air show". Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  10. ^ a b Hirschberg 2011, p. 51.
  11. ^ "ALH touches 20,000 feet and Cheetal 23,000". Indiastrategic.in. Retrieved 2012-12-13.
  12. ^ "Indian Army inducts 'Rudras' into its Air Wing". Archived from the original on 2017-03-04.
  13. ^ "Army looks to fast track process of acquiring anti-tank missiles for Rudra helicopter". Archived from the original on 2017-08-11.
  14. ^ "Equipment: Dhruv". Indian Army. Retrieved 13 August 2011.
  15. ^ Crawford 2003, p. 39.
  16. ^ "Page Not Found". hal-india.com. Retrieved 25 July 2016. {{cite web}}: Cite uses generic title (help)
  17. ^ "Equipment: Dhruv". Defense Update. Retrieved 7 February 2013.
  18. ^ "Safran Group". Turbomeca. Retrieved 31 August 2010.
  19. ^ "..:: India Strategic ::. IAF: ALH touches 20,000 feet and Cheetal 23,000". Retrieved 6 February 2015.
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