Chopper shortage rattles Indian Navy during joint exercise with British

[sancho]

@thread, yes the N-ALH should have enjoyed more success but let's be honest it is in no way up to the levels of the S-70B which is what the IN is desperately after to replace their Sea Kings. The S-70B and N-ALH are simply in different classes. The N-ALH really only has as role as a N-LUH for the IN but then the IN wants one in the 4.5 ton class and this is likely because many of the smaller ships the N-LUH will operate off are unable to support a 5.5 machine. Hopefully in the future the IN takes a more long-term vision and ensures their ships are able to offer specifications that match indigenous hardware.

The S70 is a different class and is not in comparision with the naval Dhruv, but IN also is looking for 56 N-LUH, in the same class of the Dhruv and that is the silly point!
The 4.5t class is only the MTOW, there is no issue in operating Dhruv's from IN vessels, infact even the heavier Sea Kings and Kamovs are often used. The naval Dhruv might not be the best choice for long range operations or ASW, but as a light SAR helicopter, it could serve IN well too, but IN is actually working against indigenous helicopters here.

 

[Abingdonboy]

Is it not possible to make a 4.5 t MTOW version of the N-ALH considering the size of the contract at stake (probably more than 1 billion for 56 helos or upward if we consider the life cycle costs)

Do you not think HAL has tried to make the N-ALH as light as possible? It's likely to be as light as it's going to be before you start doing silly things like taking out engines and in-built safety features.