Context: The chequered history of India’s indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-Dhruv) touched a low when a Dhruv (IN-709) in the Indian Navy’s newly-acquired flee was on a routine flight, reportedly experienced a “sudden loss of power and rapid loss of height” close to the coast of Mumbai.
About ALH Dhruv:
- It 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 major variants of Dhruv are classified as Dhruv Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III & Mk-IV.
- Dhruv has also been supplied to Nepal Army & Mauritius Police, Maldives.
Roles of Dhruv
- Passenger / Commuter Role
- VIP Travel
- Causality Evacuation
- Under Slung Load
- Rapid Deployment of Forces
- Logistic Air Support
- Search and Rescue
- Training
Source: The Hindu & HAL Official website
