HAL reduces Dhruv copter vibration, readies it for mission ‘impossible’
Wednesday October 6 2004 15:09 IST
BANGALORE: While the Army has embarked on high-altitude field trials of Bell, Kamov-50 and Eurocopter helicopters, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) claims its Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv is still the best for such missions.
The defence PSU, headquartered in the city, is making further improvements in its flying machine. “The Active Vibration Isolation System is being fitted to ALHs to further reduce its vibration,” sources told this website’s newspaper denying reports that the Army was not looking at HAL after its copter failed a high-altitude vibration test.
The equipment being mounted is similar to a noise controlling device recently fitted in two choppers sold to Nepal. “We are recommending it for all ALHs and that will be done depending on customer requirement,” the sources added.
Vibration at high altitudes was the primary reason for the Army to look towards the West rather than go in for the indigenously designed and developed chopper. However, experts said a little vibration may be there in an ALH at low altitudes, though at high altitudes the vibration comes down.
Dhruv has been purchased by the IAF and Army, and it has proven its performance on all fronts, including at high altitudes. But foreign choppers are yet to prove their capability, HAL said. Apart from being an indigenous product, it is the most competent machine in terms of cost.
“If there are any teething problems, the Services should give feedback, based on which it can be further improved,” said the sources. HAL is aggressively trying to market its product, both within and outside the country. Of the 31 ALHs manufactured so far, two have been sold to Nepal and one is waiting to fly to Israel. In India, the IAF, Army, Navy and Coast Guard are flying these machines.
Another major boost is coming in the form of a huge foreign order. Chile has evinced keen interest in buying around two dozen Dhruvs over a period of time after seeing a recent demonstration of its capabilities. Pilots there clocked over 100 hours that included flying in hostile weather.
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