Commissioning of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv) Mk. III by the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is the latest variant that should shore up the kinks of earlier models. Previously the Indian Navy had the earlier variants, which had problems that did not sit well. The rotorcraft is the latest helicopter made in India that will find domestic use over foreign models.
Service in the Indian Navy
This version of the Mark I and II had some problems in technical, performance, and design flaws that could be fixed in the newest variant, reported by the Eurasian Times.
Development of the Dhruv Mk. III was backed by the government to develop it, with the ALH that is adapted for India's coasts, said Coast Guard officials.
The version developed by the Maritime Reconnaissance and Coastal Security (MRCS) version made by the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is the newest version.
Standard Equipment
The latest electronics and avionics are equipping the helicopter-like nose-mounted Radar, optic pod, searchlights, medical suite, homing beacon, loud hailer, and door mount medium or heavy machine gun on it, cited Kaypius.
In May 2022, three ALH Mk-III as the first units and ten more will be in service by May 2022. The HAL contract is for a total of 16 helicopters with the Self-Reliant India Mission, noted Naval News.
The Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv) Mk. III is a dual engine, multi-use next-gen helicopter at 5.5 tons; it has skid and wheel versions as options.
According to Indian government agencies dealing with the acquisition of these units responsible for the US-made MH-60R Romeo Multi-Role Helicopter (MRH) and ongoing Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH) programs.
The former will succeed the aging Sea King 42 Alpha/42 Bravo. The latter will supplant the equally old but dependable Chetak (rechristened from the original French make as the Alouette III).
HAL deal
Ecuador reportedly agreed to buy Dhruv choppers from HAL worth $45.2 million. This was regarded as a significant accomplishment for India's military industry.
Dhruv, an Indian utility helicopter, is a low-cost alternative to Western utility helicopters. Despite facing stiff competition from Elbit, Eurocopter, and Kazan, Ecuador purchased helicopters from HAL.
However, success proved short-lived as four of the seven Dhruv advanced light helicopters crashed in different incidents, leading Ecuador to ground the remaining aircraft and terminate the agreement, mentioned Hindustimes.
It was initially for the Indian Army as the Mk. I 2003, that saw several technical problems from an underpowered engine with other issues plaguing it, remarked said Commander KP Sanjeev Kumar (Retd), a former test pilot.
This kept the navy from going in for more and enabled the Chetaks to continue flying. The helicopter was judged inadequate in terms of being able to function from and fit onto warship decks, which is a basic navy need.
IN pilots have long criticized the HAL for poor work, sloppy engineering, poor maintenance standards, and outright denial of responsibility. But other pilots say that HAL needs more advanced projects.
The helicopter was developed mainly for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force (IAF). Both are satisfied with it, with the former used in advanced high-altitude outposts in Ladakh for complicated medical evacuation and disaster relief operations.
Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv) Mk. III will be serving in units and using a homegrown unit for operations.
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