How "Indigenous" is Dhruv/ALH?

[Myth_buster_1]

List of Foreigner input in ALH/DHRV

Contract awarded for 20 THL 20 turrets

HAL (Hindustan Aeronautic Limited) has awarded a contract for the supply of 20 THL 20 turrets, that will equip the Indian Armed Forces’ ALHs (Advanced Light Helicopters). The order cover the development phase of 20 turrets. The first deliveries will take place in 2008.
This new contract strengthens our group's position in the field of weapon systems for helicopters.

Mounted under the ALH’s nose, the THL 20 is armed with a 20 M 621 ultra-light and low-recoil force cannon which makes the turret lighter and provides it with high firepower capabilities. This turret features outstanding aiming accuracy that enables to engage air and land targets at very long range. In the "Indian" version, the THL 20 turret is combined with a helmet sight, thus making it easier and quicker to use.

Inheriting from the THL 30’s capabilities, the THL 20 turret already equips 24 Romanian Army IAR Brasov helicopters. To date, over one hundred and thirty THL 20 and THL 30 turrets have been ordered by France and for export.

List of Foreigner Technologies in ALH/DHRV

Indians have done a great job renaming French Turbomeca TM 333 2B2 engine to (Indigenous developed Shakti engine)



Turbomeca confirms its strong link with India

Bangalore, 9 February 2005

Turbomeca, world leader in helicopter engines, has confirmed its strong link with India, following the signing of three major contracts concerning the Dhruv. This is the result of a longstanding and successful relationship between Hindustan Aeronautic Limited (HAL) and Turbomeca which began back in 1961, when the Turbomeca Artouste engine was first licensed to power the Indian Armed Forces’ Chetak (Alouette) and Cheetah (Lama) fleets. In February 2003, Turbomeca and HAL signed three major contracts One contract covers the co-development and co-production of Ardiden 1H (Indian name: Shakti) engines: a large number of Ardiden 1H / Shakti engines are expected to be produced. 11 % of the development will be carried by HAL out in India. A first batch of engines will be produced at Turbomeca, France, and progressively most part of the production will be transferred to India. As a consequence of this close cooperation between HAL and Turbomeca, Indian engineers are now learning all the Shakti production know-how at the site in Bordes, France, Turbomeca's headquarters. The first rotation is scheduled for September 2005, and the EASA certification is scheduled for December 2006. The second contract covers the supply of TM 333 2B2 engines, for application on the HAL Dhruv helicopter, and the third contract the repair and overhaul license for the TM 333 2B2. The hundredth TM 333 2B2, destined to the Dhruv of HAL was delivered in August 2004. The Dhruv helicopters will be used by the Indian Army Aviation, Air Force, Navy and Coast Guards, depending on the missions to be carried out. The Dhruv is also considered by civilian customers. Cheetal, Cheetah re-engined with TM 333 2M2 The Cheetal (former Cheetah, equivalent to the Lama, manufactured by HAL), has been re-engined with the TM 333 2M2. The first flight was completed the 1st February 2003 in Bangalore. The replacement of the Artouste engine with a Turbomeca TM 333 2M2 engine improved considerably the light helicopter's performance at altitude and increase its pay load capacity above 5,000 meters. In-flight qualification tests have been completed and were successful. Some Cheetah could be re-engined in 2005. Chetan, Chetak re-engined with TM 333 2M2 The Chetan (former Chetak, equivalent to the Alouette III, manufactured by HAL), has been re-engined with the TM 333 2M2. The first flight was completed the 1st February 2005 in Bangalore. The replacement of the Artouste III B engine with a Turbomeca TM 333 2M2 engine decreased considerably the light helicopter's fuel consumption, and improved its useful load. World records November 2004 was a special month in the history of Indian helicopter industry. On 2nd November, the Dhruv, powered by the TM 333 2B2, soared to 25000 ft (7 520m) above mean sea level. This is the record for highest altitude flown by a middle weight class helicopter. The Cheetal, equipped with TM 333 2M2, set the world record for a landing at highest altitude by a light weight helicopter, landing at a height of 23220 ft (7070m) above mean sea level. Both the records were rendered more impressive due to the fact that the density altitude, a major factor governing the altitude at which a helicopter can fly, was significantly higher, at 27000 ft (8 200m) for the Dhruv, and 25150 ft (7670m) for the Cheetal. The records were set in terms of density altitude, too. *** Turbomeca is the leading helicopter engine manufacturer, and has produced 50 000 turbines based on its own designs since the company was founded. With more than 2 000 customers in over 140 countries, Turbomeca provides a proximity service thanks to its 14 sites, 3 subsidiaries, 23 TurboSupport Centers, 32 repair centers and 90 Field representatives and Field mechanics. The Head Office is based in Bordes, Pyrénées-Atlantiques (south-west France). Turbomeca is part of the Snecma Group, specialists in aerospace propulsion and equipment. Microturbo, a subsidiary of Turbomeca, is the European leader in turbojet engines for missiles, drones and auxiliary power units.

Rotor Head Damper

The Rotor Head Dampers for the Advanced Light Helicopter and Tiger program are manufactured by Sitec Aerospace as is the Lag Plane Damper for the Lynx helicopter.

ALH

Constant development of engineering experience on production and design, with substantial investment in facilities and techniques, have enabled EA to participate in all Italian aircraft programs of the last century and to successfully meet the challenge of such multinational programs such as F104G Starfighter, Tornado MRCA, AM-X, ALH, Euro-Fighter Aircraft (EFA Typhoon), AMRAAM and NH90.

Particularly important are the contributions to the Tornado MRCA, for which the company supplies the TFR Antenna Receiver, to the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)

Belgium
A contract has just been signed
between Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
(HAL) and FZ. It concerns the integration
of one of FZ’s rocket systems on
the new Indian helicopter ALH. The
supplying of these systems including
the firing management box, sighting
system and rocket launchers, as
well as the training, will enable FZ’s
materials to be certified on the new
helicopter.

FPT equipment is fitted to a range of helicopters including ALH, Kaman SH2G, Westland Agusta EH101, Sea King and Lynx, Sikorsky Blackhawk S70A and S92, Bell 205, 212, 427 and UH-1H, Boeing CH-46 Chinook, MD 500 series and MI 8 / 17 platforms.

DELIVERY OF FIRST PRODUCTION LOT
OF ALH DISPLAY & MISSION COMPUTERSAITECH COMPLETES

Chatsworth, CA, July 21, 2006 – Aitech Defense Systems, Inc., a world leader in the development and manufacture of board and subsystem level products for harsh environment defense, aerospace and space applications, has delivered the first production lot of 30 Display & Mission Computers (DMCs) that drive the state-of-the-art glass cockpit avionics of the Indian Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Program to the LAHAV Division of IAI (Israel Aircraft Industries). The ALH helicopter, designed and built by HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited), is being displayed and flown this week at the Farnborough International Air Show (July 17-23, 2006). IAI/LAHAV is under contract to HAL to develop and provide the avionics system for this aircraft.

The DMC is a cooperative design effort of IAI/LAHAV and Aitech that will provide IAI fully COTS and open systems architecture-compliant, integrated and tested, DMC systems. Aitech will build and deliver 400 DMC units for the ALH program over the next several years.

Aitech is also under contract to IAI to provide the next generation of the Digital Map Module (DMM), which will be part of the DMC. With the additional functionality of the DMM module, the DMC will become a complete and versatile state-of-the-art avionics computer, providing the performance needed by the IAI LAHAV division for its current and future avionics upgrade programs.

The DMC is an advanced avionics computer that includes state-of-the-art processor, memory, I/O and quad-head graphics boards packed in a lightweight 1 ATR short enclosure with a sophisticated MIL-STD-704-compliant power supply.

The DMC was designed to run the display and mission management software developed by IAI/LAHAV and is designed to be DO-178B-compliant. It is capable of driving four digital (DVI) MFDs (multi-function displays) simultaneously, displaying high-resolution synthetic graphics with instrumentation, navigation and mission data, as well as multiple sources of video. The full-featured graphics/video subsystem supports many different configurations and protocols in addition to input and display options, thus providing IAI/LAHAV the best performance and maximum flexibility to implement advanced glass cockpit systems.

The DMC also includes a large array of communication interfaces, including MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 429, Fast Ethernet, USB (for external removable mass storage devices), high speed RS-422/485/232 serial I/O and high quality audio as well as support for ARINC 708 weather radar equipment. A large number of digital and analog (A/D, D/A) input and output lines used to read and control different sensors are also integrated into the computer.

The DMC was designed using a modular approach based on the VMEbus open architecture, providing the path for future growth, expansion and additional
enhancements. In its present configuration, the computer has built-in provisions for internal and external mass-storage devices and for the DMM.

Light-Weight Active Vibration Control System Allows Hindustan’s DHRUV to Fly High


Indian DHRUVCustomer
Hindustan Aeronautics, Ltd. for its Advanced Light Helicopter, otherwise known as the Indian DHRUV, the world’s only helicopter to have flown over the Himalayas and Mount Everest.

Challenge
LORD was tasked with designing an active vibration control solution to minimize vibration in the fuselage of the 12-passenger, two-crew member aircraft.

Solution
LORD applied its proven Active Vibration Control System. The technology employs active Frahms to reduce vibration in the fuselage generated by the main rotor and the rotor aerodynamics.

Results
LORD Corporation’s design provides the DHRUV with the unique ability to respond to a variety of factors, depending on the mission. Further, the system weight is less than one percent of the aircraft GW.

Saab has received an order from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India. The contract value is approximately 24 million US Dollar.

Saab will commence serial production of an integrated electronic warfare self-protection system for installation on the Indian Advanced Light Helicopter, Dhruv.

"We are proud of being a supplier for this advanced helicopter and look forward to continue our cooperation and long term relationship with HAL", says Micael Johansson, President, Saab Avitronics.

This production order follows an order for development and prototypes deliveries
and an initial production order received in April 2008.

Development as well as production takes place at Saab in South Africa.


The information is that which Saab AB is required to declare by the Securities Business Act and/or the Financial instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on December 22 at 12.30

THE SAFRAN GROUP COMPANIES ON Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) Dhruv

Sagem

Autopilot actuator

Autopilot computer

Engine control computer

Flight control & pilot components

Sensors

Sofrance

Oil and fuel filters for Turbomeca TM333-2B2 engines

Turbomeca

Ardiden engines 1H1

TM333 2M2 engine

Foreign Involvement in the ALH


From the design to the provision of components and ammunition the involvement of foreign companies in the development of the ALH is considerable. At least 29 companies in nine countries across four continents have been involved with the development, licensed production or supply of components or munitions for the ALH. Ten of these companies are based in six EU Member States (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden and the UK). Other companies involved include a number based in Israel and the USA. Since its inception, the ALH has been a collaborative effort between the German company Messerschmitt-Bölkow Blohm (now Eurocopter Deutschland) and HAL:


"One thing should be clear. Though it is India's, if not Asia's, first de novodesigned helicopter, it is not ‘indigenous’ in the Indian sense of the term, but a collaborative effort of HAL and specialists from Messerschmitt-Bolkow-Blohm, who built the Eurocopter, which the Advanced Light Helicopter resembles."(11)


It is not clear what configuration of armaments and components will be incorporated into the variants of any ALHs that might eventually be exported to Myanmar, but it is incumbent on governments to ensure that components produced or otherwise originating from within their jurisdiction are not incorporated into military helicopters transferred to Myanmar. The section below provides illustrative examples of key foreign involvement in the development of the ALH.


Core foreign components for the ALH include helicopter engines and rotor blades, as well as hydraulics, cockpit displays, vibration dampers and other "mission-critical parts". In addition, European firms have contributed to the offensive military capability of the attack helicopter version: variants of the ALH have incorporated rocket launchers of Belgian origin, and machine guns and missiles of French origin.


European and US firms have been involved in designing and developing the aircraft and its components. As a consequence — not least with major structural components like engines and rotors — it would be difficult, if not impossible, for HAL to source adequate alternative components from non-European or non-US suppliers. Similarly it may be difficult for HAL to manufacture such components itself without technical support from those firms.


Letters were faxed to each of the companies mentioned in this report, noting the reports that the Government of India was in negotiations with the Government of Myanmar to supply the ALH, and requesting information about their involvement in the development of the ALH through the manufacture and supply of components, technology and/or assistance. The letters also asked about the terms of the licences under which such transfers were made, including any restrictions applied to re-export.


Many of the companies’ responses summarised below specifically state that the contracts conform to their government’s requirements. Nevertheless, should such transfers of the ALH from India go ahead over the coming months, it is likely that military equipment, components and technology supplied from EU and US manufacturers incorporated into the ALH will end up in an embargoed destination. There is no suggestion that these companies will have broken current laws or regulations or deliberately violated the EU arms embargo on Myanmar. However, in almost all of these cases, the exports would not have been permitted from the country where the controlling company is based if they were supplied direct to Myanmar.


The following section illustrates the scale of involvement of non-Indian companies in the design.


The European Union


Belgium

Forges de Zeebrugge FZ

Variants of the ALH have incorporated rocket launchers produced by the Belgiam company, Forges de Zeebrugge FZ.For example, the photo below shows the FZ nameplate on the rocket launcher mounted on ALH on display at Farnborough International, UK on 14 August 2006.


[Photo Caption]© Robin Ballantyne


Forges de Zeebrugge FZ confirmed that they have contracts with both HAL and the Indian Army, which have been approved by the Belgian authorities and are subject to end-use agreements. Confidentiality clauses contained within the contract prevented fuller disclosure of any details surrounding the nature of the deal.(12)


France

Turbomeca

The French company Turbomeca (now part of the Safran Group) has undertaken both the direct export of engines from France to India but has also established licensed production and technology transfer arrangements with HAL to produce engines for the ALH. In February 2003, it was announced that Turbomeca and HAL had signed three major contracts. These included a contract for the supply of TM 333 2B2 engines for application on the HAL helicopter; and another contract for the repair and overhaul licence for the TM 333 2B2.(13) The HAL website states that the ALH continues to use the "Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 Twin Turbo-shaft Engine 746 kw (1000 SHP)".(14)


Turbomeca confirmed that it has three contracts with HAL, two of which cover the supply, repair, servicing and overhaul of the TM333-2B2 engines for the ALH. The company also stated that all its contracts were regulated by the appropriate French export licensing authorities.(15) However in its response to our enquiries the French Government stated that the engines in question are not classified as war material by the French regulations and do not appear in the list of items subject to the Myanmar embargo. In our view, this interpretation is wrong because non-listed items in the EC Dual Use Regulation if incorporated into military items bound for embargoed destinations become licensable, that is subject to the embargo (for more on this see the section on EU export controls on re-exports over military equipmentbelow).(16) It would therefore appear that the French Government places no restrictions on the transfer of equipment fundamental to the operation of the ALH notwithstanding the fact that it is clearly also used as a military aircraft.


GIAT Industries (Nexter) and MBDA

In July 2006 defence news service Shepherd Rotorhub quoted Hindustan

Aeronautics' chairman Ashok Baweja describing a weaponisation programme was under way for the ALH. This was to include a 20mm gun from the French company GIAT and rockets from European missile manufacturer MBDA.(17) In December 2006, GIAT (now renamed Nexter) announced that it had been awarded a contract by HAL for:


"the supply of 20 THL 20 turrets that will equip the Indian Armed Forces' Advanced Light Helicopter. The order covers the development phase of 20 turrets. The first deliveries will take place in 2008…."(18)


In March 2007 Jane's Information Group reported that HAL signed a deal with MBDA in July 2006 for the supply of air-to-air Mistral missiles for armed versions of the ALH.(19)


Nexter has confirmed that it does supply products to HAL for the ALH. This currently includes twenty ‘THL 20’ 20mm Helicopter turrets. The company also stated that all of its exports are regulated and approved by the appropriate French export licensing authorities and that any additional contracts to supply the ALH that were not stipulated in the original contract would require a further export licence.(20)


Germany

Eurocopter Deutschland (formerly MBB) and now wholly owned by Eurocopter

Eurocopter has been involved (originally as MBB) with the development of the ALH since at least July 1984.(21) In November 1995, it was reported that Eurocopter had submitted a proposal to the Indian Defence Ministry to "co-produce the ALH designed by HAL. It plans to set up production facilities in India to manufacture the ALH for both local and export markets."(22)In 2006 both companies were advertising their mutual co-operation: Eurocopter noting that it was supplying rotor blades for the ALH,(23) and HAL announcing that "Eurocopter, the helicopter manufacturer owned by EADS, has been cooperating with HAL for over four decades … India was the first nation with which Eurocopter signed a licence agreement for technology transfer."(24) Amnesty International wrote to Eurocopter in March 2007 asking for clarification over its role in the development of the ALH. As of 25 June 2007, the company had not responded.


SITEC Aerospace


SITEC Aerospace manufactures a range of components and complete assemblies for flight/engine controls for various types of aircraft.(25) According to company literature on display at Farnborough International 2006, SITEC provides components for the ALH.


SITEC Aerospace confirmed that they supply parts for the ALH, but that they do not export these directly to HAL, but supply them to another unnamed German manufacturer who subsequently incorporates these items into other systems for the ALH.(26)


Italy

Elettronica Aster SpA

The Italian company Elettronica Aster SpA on its website describes HAL as a major customer. According to the "Company and Program Overview", Elettronica Aster SpA has produced and supplied the ALH with a brake system.(27)


Amnesty International wrote to Elettronica Aster SpA in March 2007 to ask for clarifications as to its involvement in the development of the ALH. In its reply dated 15 March, the company had no comment on the specifics of its supply of components for the ALH, stating only that Elettronica Aster SpA’s "export activity is regulated by the rules called out in the Italian Law no.185/’90 (with amendment DDL 1927), establishing the regulation for weapons import/export/transit."(28)


Sweden

Saab AB

Saab Avitronics, the South African joint venture company owned by Saab AB (Sweden) and Saab Grintek (South Africa, itself part owned by Saab AB), has been awarded a multi-million dollar export contract from HAL for the supply of self-protection equipment for installation on the ALH for the Indian Armed Forces.(29)


Amnesty International wrote to Saab AB on 1 June 2007 asking for clarification over its involvement with the ALH. Saab AB replied saying: "All export approvals from the concerned authorities are in place. The export licences are supported by an end-user certificate."(30)


The United Kingdom


APPH Precision Hydraulics

At the 2004 Farnborough arms fair, the UK company APPH Precision Hydraulics Ltd displayed its Hydraulic Package as the following:


"HAL Advanced Light Helicopter Hydraulic Package designed and manufactured by APPH Ltd"


Amnesty International wrote to in March 2007 to ask for clarifications as its involvement in the development of the ALH. As of 25 June 2007, the company had not responded.


FPT Industries Ltd

In 1993 it was reported that FPT Industries Ltd had been awarded a contract to supply floatation equipment for the ALH under development by HAL.(31) FTP Industries is part of GKN Aerospace Services Ltd. In 1997, it was reported that FPT Industries’ self-sealing fuel tank systems were being used in the ALH.(32) In 2007, the FPT Industries website stated that: "FPT equipment is fitted to a range of helicopters including ALH".(33)


In 1997, the then GKN Westland Aerospace Ltd (renamed GKN Aerospace Services Ltd in 2001) was awarded a contract to supply the internal gearbox BR715 for HAL’s ALH.(34)


GKN Aerospace Services Ltd confirmed that they have supplied fuel tanks, floatation equipment and related gaskets and seals for the ALH, but that these are subject to end-use certificates stipulating that they would not be re-exported. The company stated that future supplies for the ALH would be for components and kits for fuel tanks that would be assembled locally in India, but would again be subject to similar end-use undertakings.(35) However, while the UK Government normally requires the presentation of end-use documentation as part of the licensing process, it does not as a rule then include explicit end-use restrictions as a conditionon the export licence. If this is the case in this instance, what force those end-use undertakings have is unclear.


Other third-country involvement in the ALH:

The United States

It should be noted that the US embargo on Myanmar does not specifically mention indirect supplies, nor does it place controls on civilian components that are incorporated into military systems. However, indirect supplies of US military components or other controlled items are subject to re-export controls under the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) system which specifically states that re-export of US-controlled content can only take place with the express permission of the US Government. Section 123.9 "Country of ultimate destination" provides that:

"(a) The country designated as the country of ultimate destination on an application for an export licence, or on a shipper's export declaration where an exemption is claimed under this subchapter, must be the country of ultimate end-use. The written approval of the Department of State must be obtained before reselling, diverting, transferring, transshipping, or disposing of a defense article in any country other than the country of ultimate destination as stated on the export licence, or on the shipper's export declaration in cases where an exemption is claimed under this subchapter. Exporters must ascertain the specific end-use and end-user prior to submitting an application to the Office of Munitions Control or claiming an exemption under this subchapter. End-use must be confirmed and should not be assumed."(36)


However, it is not clear whether components supplied by US companies for the ALH have been specifically designed or adapted for military use. If not, they may fall outside this specification.


Aitech Systems Ltd

In September 2005, it was reported that Aitech Systems Ltd, a US company, had announced it had "received the first production order from the Lahav Division of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) for Display & Mission Computers" for inclusion in the glass cockpit of the ALH. The Lahav Division of IAI is under contract to HAL to develop and provide the avionics system for the HAL.(37)


Deliveries for the first production of Display and Mission Computers were due to be completed by May 2006:


"Aitech will build 400 Display & Mission Computers for the ALH program, to be delivered over the next several years. In addition, Aitech is under contract to IAI to provide the next generation of Display & Mission Computer."(38)


Amnesty International wrote to the company in March 2007 asking for clarifications over its involvement with the ALH, but has yet to receive a reply (as of 25 June 2007).


Lord Corporation

In January 2004, it was reported that Lord Corporation had announced that it had been "awarded the first production contract for its active vibration control system" for the ALH. Lord Corporation had been supplying other parts (such as elastomeric bearings) for the main tail rotor and parts for various "isolators", which together formed part of an anti-resonance isolator system aimed at reducing vibrations in the aircraft." The report also stated that "Lord would supply the vibration dampers for these aircraft with user approvals."(39)


The Lord Corporation wrote to Amnesty International on 9 March 2007 saying that contractual obligations of confidentiality prevented any disclosure of the Lord Corporation’s involvement in military products, other than information currently in the public domain. The company also stipulated that it was fully aware of government compliance issues and "strives to be in full compliance with all applicable regulations."(40)

 

[DESERT FIGHTER]

Thanks for enlightening the world to this 100% indegenous indian copter tht cant ceil above 5000 ft.
Thank you very much again.

---------- Post added at 08:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:54 PM ----------

Thanks for enlightening the world to this 100% indegenous indian copter tht cant ceil above 5000 ft.
Thank you very much again.

 

[wangrong]

 

[Hammy007]

the thread is about how indigenous indian heli is, indian trolls cannot prove it so they are countering the argument by involving pakistan in it, does a single word in the article say pakistan???

 

[Myth_buster_1]

Indians have gone nuts after finding out the indian myth of this and that being "100%" indigenous has been busted. So now they are using their usual method of trolling and attacking personally but then again once a indian can always a indian and they can only portray themself.
Living in denial is part of thier world. shhhhhh don not disturb fragile thoughts of indians, they wanna believe everything is "indigenous" in india.

 

[DeathGod]

"100%" indigenous

Initially they will say India cant build anything indigenously.

Then they will say India cant build anything 100 percent indegenously.

Then they will say India can only produce indigenenously with TOT.

Then they will say India can only obtain TOT due to big money.

Then.. well then there maybe no then for them....

At the end what matters is what you have it. Doesnt matter how one acquired it ( provided its morally correct).

If someone says he/she can be a topper or a billionaire then that doesnt matter.

What matters is if he/she is one or not.

Got the Point?

 

[ramu]

Yes, Dhruv is a 99.9% foreign chopper with Indian paint making 0.1%.
That should make it lot easier for many people to sleep well.

But if the amount of confidence gained by HAL is to be measured, here is an article on Sawf News.

HAL to go it alone with Light Utility Helicopter

HAL to go it alone with Light Utility Helicopter
Posted by vkthakur on 20 March 2010 (EST)
HAL had decided to go it alone with its Light Utility Helicopter, instead of co-producing it with a foreign manufacturer.

March 20, 2010, (Sawf News) - HAL had decided to go it alone with its Light Utility Helicopter, instead of co-producing it with a foreign manufacturer.

Flight Magazine quotes a senior HAL official as saying:

"We have gained a lot of experience and learnt a lot over the years manufacturing the Cheetah and Chetak, and then developing the Dhruv [advanced light helicopter]. There will be some degree of commonality in terms of systems with Dhruv and the LCH [light combat helicopter], but this will otherwise be a new helicopter."

HAL had earlier floated a tender inviting bids from "reputed TurboShaft Engine Manufacturers world over who would like to offer their engine along with associated instrumentation for integration on Light Utility Helicopter (LUH)."

The Indian Defense Ministry projected a requirement for 384 Light Utility Helicopters (LUH) in July 2008, to replace the existing fleet of Chetak and Cheetah helicopters in the three service.

Of these, 197 are to be procured directly from a foreign supplier, but later serviced within India by HAL.

In addition, HAL was asked to develop 187 LUHs to meet the total requirement, either through license production of the winning bidder's model or the manufacture of an indigenously developed helicopter.

HAL displayed it LUH concept at Aero India 2009.

The 3t HAL concept will now be powered by a single HAL/Turbomeca Shakti engine. The aircraft will have a range of up to 500km (270nm) and a 500kg (1,100lb) payload.

First flight is scheduled for 2015.

 

[ramu]

Another international source: not for disillusioned /trolls

Hindustan Aeronautics to go it alone on observation helicopter

Hindustan Aeronautics to go it alone on observation helicopter

Hindustan Aeronautics has decided against seeking an international partner for its light observation helicopter programme, and will undertake the development by itself.
"We have gained a lot of experience and learnt a lot over the years manufacturing the Cheetah and Chetak, and then developing the Dhruv [advanced light helicopter]," says a senior official at the state-owned firm. "There will be some degree of commonality in terms of systems with Dhruv and the LCH [light combat helicopter], but this will otherwise be a new helicopter."
In 2009, the defence ministry asked HAL to develop and manufacture 187 utility and observation helicopters for the Indian air force and army by 2017.
The company has begun preliminary design studies into a 3t helicopter powered by a single HAL/Turbomeca Shakti engine. The aircraft will have a range of up to 500km (270nm) and a 500kg (1,100lb) payload. The first example should fly by 2015.
Observers had expected HAL to develop the new helicopter with help from the winner of an international competition for 197 helicopters that will cover interim requirements. AgustaWestland, Eurocopter and Russia's Rosoboronexport agency responded to a 2009 request for proposals, but India missed a self-imposed deadline to begin trials by the middle of last year. These should start in mid-2010 and a decision is expected in 2011, say industry sources.

HAL, which will also maintain the Western-manufactured helicopters, has a created Helicopter Complex division that brings together its rotorcraft design, development and manufacturing activities under one umbrella. This includes the light observation helicopter, the Dhruv and the LCH that will imminently have its first flight.
Separately, the HAL sources confirm that India's navy has decided against buying additional Dhruvs and will look to foreign vendors for both its utility and anti-submarine warfare requirements.
The navy has Dhruvs performing utility missions, and had planned to buy dozens more to replace its Chetaks and potentially also meet an ASW requirement. However, the service has decided to go ahead with an international tender for both requirements and could issue a RFP this year, say HAL sources.
"The navy says that for their particular roles, the Dhruv is probably not suited. They are not considering it as a long-term solution at the moment and want to look elsewhere for their utility and ASW requirements," says one.
The service is likely to assess the NH Industries NH90 and Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk for its ASW missions, while Eurocopter's AS365 Dauphin is likely to be a leading contender for any utility requirement.

 

[gubbi]

So what if ALH is a collaborative effort. What one needs to understand is that for fruitful end results collaborations occur between equals.
If those professionals had any doubts about Indian professionals' competence, they would NOT have collaborated. The end product was was very successful, not to mention breaking a few world records along the way.

As to the original article, the objections about ALH's technologies are in context with its apparent sale to Myanmar - NO records or evidence exists about such a sale or transfer. The objections are thus nullified. And btw, the report is from Amnesty International. Have your say.

As for the said member, he doesn't understand the context of the article, he just happens to cherry pick whatever suits his delusional anti-India rhetoric.

 

[Myth_buster_1]

So what if ALH is a collaborative effort.

But the thing is. India has almost zero amount of input in this "collaborative effort" since over 7 countries are involved in transferring their technologies to india and they are doing a good job naming them with "indigenous" indian names. such as the French provided engine known as "shkti" engine.
The benefices are..

India= Technology Transfer
Forigners= $$$ transferred.

 

[Myth_buster_1]

So far Indians have failed to provide any positive input to this thread other then knee jerk reactions and trolling.

 

[Rafael]

Whoa! This was like in the face... I am sure MTV is banned in Pakistan.. If not earlier, definitely after this ad

Just to let you know, this poem was written by Allama Iqbal, and when he said "hindustan" he meant the whole subcontinent and not just India!

And btw Pakistan's army uniform is way cooler than what has shown in the video, it seemed like an Indian officer is too embarrassed to wear his country's insignia.

 

[ramu]

good. I can bring quite a lot of article from same source which will hurt a lot of deluded indian sentiments.

Growler, I have seen the pattern of your post. I don't have to prove anything to you. Neither can a 100 articles with cherry picked patterns satisfy anyone else but you.

Here is a simple suggestion to you. Consider Dhruv as a business proposition. We get parts from various people by shelling out from Indian tax payer. Then we add some value and use it for in house requirements, defence and for export. Even with this stand point (of yours) we have done mighty well.

Even if we attach the lowest price for a comparable kit in the world market, Dhruv is economical and has and will save us a lot of money. We are proud of it for various reasons. I can't take you to HAL Bangalore for security reasons even if you get a visa. And it is unlikely that you will believe even if I introduce you to the core team that developed Dhruv. Just as you have your stand on Dhruv, I have mine and I have reasons to believe in Indian capabilities.

You can open another 100 threads on all that is not Indian. End of the day, I can't claim to know about everything produced in India but with a close association to HAL for over 2 decades I know the truth in Dhruv.

 

[Rafael]

ha ha ..it hurts , isn't it.

Take my jhappi and go to sleep.

No thank you, i am straight!!!

and no it doesn't hurts. I feel proud that you guys use a poem/song written by Pakistan's national poet and the guy who came with the idea of Independent country of muslims..

 

[ramu]

So far Indians have failed to provide any positive input to this thread other then knee jerk reactions and trolling.

Ya, the positives are .. oh sorry you can't see.