Indian Army inducts ‘Rudras’ into its Air Wing

[Anony]

New Delhi. The Indian Army Aviation Corps is all set to take a major step forward by raising its first ever dedicated squadron of ‘Rudra’ armed helicopters this month. Termed as the WSI (Weapon System Integrated) Mk-IV variant of the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Rudra is the first real armed helicopter being produced indigenously in India.Developed and manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Army’s first squadron will be raised in Bangalore to initially take care of any ‘teething problems’, after which it is planned to be deployed in the western sector for operational service.

Though not a true blood combat helicopter like the LCH (Light Combat Helicopter) – also being developed by the HAL – Rudra, armed with a variety of weapons would never the less prove to be a mean fighting machine to give the Army airborne firepower in ‘contact’ battle scenarios. In army’s parlance, Rudra would constitute the third-dimensional manoeuvre arm to provide ground commanders with a lethal edge.

Following the successful development of Dhruv ALH, go ahead was given in 1998 for development of the WSI version. The prototype made its first flight in August 2007. After a series of flight and weapon trials lasting almost six years, Rudra achieved IOC (Initial Operational Clearance) in February 2013. The first two Rudras were officially handed over to the Army during the ensuing Aero India 2013 Air Show at Yelahanka, Bangalore.

HAL has been contracted to deliver about 76 Rudra ALH Mk-IV helicopters, out of which 60 are meant for the Army while the remaining 16 are earmarked for the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Rudra incorporates a conventional design with carbon fibre composite materials to achieve weight reduction. The advanced glass cockpit of Rudra houses crash-worthy seats for accommodating the two crew members. The NVG-compatible cockpit is multi-functional displays (MFDs), dual flight controls and automatic flight control system. The avionics suite integrates a GPS, FLIR, HF/UHF communications radio, IFF, Doppler navigation and a radio altimeter. The EO (Electro-optic) pod helmet-mounted sight and fixed sights ensure accurate engagement of targets with onboard weapons.

Rudra is powered by two HAL/Turbomeca Ardiden 1H1 (Shakti) turboshafts with each engine delivering a maximum continuous power of 1,067kW. The operation of each is controlled by a full-authority digital engine control (FADEC) system. The Shakti power plants give the helicopter a maximum continuous speed of 270 kmph. The VNE or never exceed speed of Rudra is 300 kmph. More importantly, Rudra can fly at a maximum altitude of 6 km (20,000 ft) which means it can successfully engage ‘Kargil/Siachen’ type of targets in the Indian context – a capability sorely missed during the 1999 Kargil conflict.

The weaponised version of Rudra i.e. ALH Mk-IV will be equipped with French Nexter THL-20 chin mounted gun turret housing a 20 mm M621 cannon. It would be able to carry Belgian 70 mm rockets, MBDA air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, such as the anti-tank Helina missiles –later to be replaced by the indigenous Nag anti-armour missiles.

The above weaponry would be available in the Army and the IAF versions. The naval version, could instead, carry 2 torpedoes/depth charges and two anti-ship missiles.

The ALH Mk-III version of Rudra is an EW (Electronic Warfare) platform with requisite sensors, countermeasures and targeting systems but, will not feature weapons.

All Rudra cockpits will have Kevlar protection and carry IDAS (Integrated Defensive Aids Suite) from Saab, with electronic warfare self-protection which is fully integrated into the glass cockpit.

Thus, Rudra will have the capability to be deployed for a wide range of armed and unarmed missions such as anti-armour, close air support, reconnaissance and troop transport.

So, where lies the difference between an armed and a combat helicopter or, for that matter, between an armed, combat and an attack helicopter? In today’s concept, the differences in capabilities are truly blurring except for the AUW (All Up Weights) and, therefore, varying payloads. The accompanying Table comparing the indigenous HAL’s armed version of the ALH, the Rudra, and the dedicated LCH and, further with the – to be acquired – Apache Longbow attack helicopters by the IAF amply to prove the point. (See Table)

Starting August, the Indian Army Aviation Corps has reportedly planned to raise six squadrons of armed helicopters with the phased induction of 60 Rudras on order with the HAL. The Army is also known to be acquiring 114 LCHs under development at HAL. Eventually, the Indian Army reportedly plans to raise Army Aviation Brigades one each with all its strike and pivot Corps. A squadron each of armed/light combat helicopters could form part of these aviation brigades to meet the requirements of the third-dimensional manoeuvre arm.

The IAF on the other hand, is known to have placed an order of 65 LCHs with HAL. Together with 16 Rudras and 22 AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopters (being acquired as replacements to the existing Mi-25/35 attack helicopters of Russian origin), the IAF would have a formidable arsenal of light/heavy attack helicopters to perform myriad operational roles of its own. These could include SEAD/DEAD, Counter Air, Interdiction at varying depths inside enemy territory, Combat SAR, etc in furtherance of both air and ground battles. In addition, it could come in aid of the surface forces as a tremendous force-multiplier at the point of decision, when required.