Indian Defence Productions

[miroslav]

Lakshya PTA

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The Lakshya PTA, developed by Defence Research Development Organisation, in IAF colours.

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A pair of Lakshya Pilotless Target Aircraft (PTA) at the annual Republic Day Parade.

Thanks,

Miro

 

[miroslav]

Nishant RPV

India has been engaged in indigenous development of UAV technology. It has completed work on the Nishant, a remotely piloted vehicle for battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance. A mini-UAV for reconnaissance, called Kapothaka and a pilotless target aircraft called Lakshua, have also been developed.

Nishant (Restless), the Remotely Piloted Vehicle conceived, designed and developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment, is used for reconnaissance, target acquisition, target designation, damage assessment and electronic surveillance. Nishant, also known as pilotless training aircraft, is designed to perform discrete aerial reconnaissance, including target acquisition. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), which has developed Nishant, has designed comprehensive capabilities in all aspects of flight control design and engineering for UAVs. Work is being carried out at the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) in Bangalore, an establishment of the DRDO.

Nishant is a field mobile system comprising air vehicles, ground control station, antenna tracking system, launcher and mission support vehicles. It meets the battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance needs of Indian Army. Each air vehicle carries a stabilized steerable platform with electro-optic payloads for surveillance, target acquisition and target tracking.

To meet the Army’s operational requirement of an RPV it was decided in September 1988 that Defence Research and Development Organisation would undertake the indigenous development of the RPV. The General Staff Qualitative Requirement (GSQR) was finalised by the Army in May 1990. In October 1991 Government sanctioned the project covering the design and development of RPV at a cost of Rs 34 crore (FE Rs 8 crore).

The Nishant remotely piloted vehicle [RPV] has undergone test flights at Kolar in Karnataka. The Nishant unmanned air vehicle has a range of at least 100 km. The 360 kg vehicle is designed for electronic intelligence and electro-optic reconnaissance for the Indian Army. Flying at 40 to 60 meters per second, Nishant is capable of battlefield surveillance with data sent in real time. The Aeronautics Development Establishment under the DRDO [Defense Research and Development Organization] is the lead laboratory for the Nishant&#39;s development and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is the production agency.

A single LRU integrated avionics package (IAP) has been developed to perform flight control, navigation and mission functions of Nishant aircraft. It consists of onboard encoder/decoder, GPS, flight control, mission and navigation modules. The digital flight control function is backed up by an analog stand-by module. IAP also manages automated safe launch, in-flight programmable way point navigation, and operation of payloads. It has been proven in more than 20 test flights of Nishant.

These development trials revealed deficiencies in minimum speed and endurance. More flights were planned in view of the technological problems encountered. Accordingly, a fully integrated prototype had yet to be made available to the users for their full fledged evaluation as of 1998.

Several configurations of ground stations have been developed for UAV programs to meet diverse needs of aerial targets and reconnaissance missions. Integrated telemetry, telecommand and tracking system designs have been realised. The mobile ground control station (GCS) incorporates a microprocessor-based encoder/decoder unit which interfaces with the jam-resistant data link to exchange command and data from Nishant. The air vehicle controller and the payload operator are provided with cues in the form of synthetic electronic displays which provide flight and trajectory data. A digital map display using GIS technology aids the controller to fly the UAV.

The Nishant RPV made its first test flight in 1995 and was scheduled to be inducted into the army by late 1996/97. However, production delays and technical snags led the army to look to Israeli-built Searchers to compensate for the delays. The indigenous development of two systems of the payload was yet to be taken up as of 1998. The import of forward looking infrared was delayed by six years on account of delays in the development of the gimbald payload assembly. The import option in respect of the infra red line scan was still under study.

Payload to be made available included forward looking infra red (FLIR) and infra red line scan (IRLS). The FLIR was to be mounted on gimbald payload assembly (GPA). As per the original projections, three sets each of FLIR and IRLS were to be imported in 1991 at an estimated cost of Rs 20 lakh and Rs 18 lakh respectively. Subsequently, these were to be replaced by indigenous version to be developed by a Defence research and development laboratory (R&D Lab). However, the indigenous development projects had not been entrusted to this R&D Lab as of November 1997. The DRDO stated in November 1997 that the indigenous development was proposed to be taken up only after necessary competence was built up.

A 35 mm Mini Pan Camera has been designed and developed at the CSIO, Chandigarh, which is suitable for use in low-speed aircraft operating at a low altitude, during daylight conditions. The Camera works on the principle of rotating mirror-lens-slit combination and moving film, resulting in recording of a much wider swath of the ground compared to frame strip camera. The design and development of this camera for Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) was sponsored by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bangalore. Three units of the camera have since been developed and submitted to ADE. The units were successfully interfaced with main Payload Interface Unit and subjected to prelaid environmental tests prescribed for Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV). One unit was mounted on `Nishant 3-4&#39; and its performance during the flight trials was found to be satisfactory.

Two FLIRs were imported from Israel in May 1997 at a unit cost of Rs 82.50 lakh. The delay of six years in import of FLIR was stated to be due to delay in development of GPA based on which the FLIR requirements were to be finalised. The import of IRLS had not been finalised till June 1997 as the import options were still under study.

The development and evaluation under this project were planned in two standards i.e. MK-I and MK-II, in response to the priorities of operational roles indicated by the user. The MK-I standard was meant for priority operational roles such as day/night surveillance, reconnaissance and identification of targets for long range weapons. It was to be launched by Rocket Assisted Launcher (RAL) and recovered by Parachute System. The payloads include Day Light TV (DLTV) Laser Range Finder (LRF) and Mini Panoramic Camera. The MK-II standard was to be designed with enhanced capabilities such as Hydro Pneumatic Launcher (HPL) instead of RAL, Net Recovery System and additional Payloads such as Forwards Looking Infra Red (FLIR), Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), Communication Intelligence (COMINT), Laser Range Designator (LRD) and Infra Red Line Scan (IRLS).

In July 1999, for the first time the Indian army deployed its new Nishant UAV system in the fight against guerilla forces backed by Pakistan in Kashmir. Nishant, which had been developed for battlefield surveillance and reconnaissance needs of the Indian Army, was test flown again in early 2002. The Nishant is still in the final stages of trials before its induction into the Army. The army is presently using Israeli-made Searcher UAVs. The unduly long delay in the development of the Nishant forced the Indian army to sign a deal with Israel for the acquisition of the highly versatile Searcher-II Unmanned

Specifications

wing span 21 feet
weight 300 kg
payload 45 kg
engine German ALVIS AR-801
endurance five hours
altitude up to 13,000 feet

Thanks,

Miro

 

[miroslav]

Nishant UAV

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The Nishant UAV on display at Def Expo &#39;04.

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The 380 kg Nishant UAV requires rail-launching from a hydro-pneumatic launcher. Launches at a velocity of 45 m/sec are carried out in 0.6 seconds with 100 kW power and subsequent launches can be carried out in intervals of 20 minutes. The Mobile Hydro-Pneumatic Launcher (MHPL) system mounted on a Tatra truck weighs 14,000 kg and boasts of a life cycle of 1000 launches before requiring overhaul. Here is an example on display at Def Expo &#39;04.

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The Nishant UAV on static display at Aero India &#39;03.


Thanks,

Miro

 

[miroslav]

AKASH SAM

The Akash (Sky) is a medium-range, theatre defence, surface-to-air missile. It operates in conjunction with the Rajendra surveillance & engagement radar. This system will replace the SA-6 / Straight Flush in Indian service and is also expected to be integrated with the S-300V (SA-10 Grumble) low-to-high altitude SAM in an integrated air defence system to counter SRBM / IRBM threats along the Pakistani and Chinese borders.

The missile is based heavily on the SA-6 and is claimed that Rajendra is similar to the 30N6 Flap-Lid B engagement radar, used by the S-300 ATBM system. The Akash&#39;s first flight occurred in 1990, with development flights up to March 1997. Operational tests and evaluations are currently ongoing and the missile is expected to enter service with the army and air force only in 2003. Officials have said that the missile will also undergo user trials with the Army for integration with the S-300PMU-1 anti-tactical ballistic missile systems, of which the Army has purchased an unspecified number, as well as with AEW aircraft. Plans exist for a navalised version in VLS mode.

The Akash uses an integral ramjet rocket propulsion system to give a low-volume, low-weight (700 kg launch weight) missile configuration, and has a low reaction time - from detection to missile launch - of 15 seconds. This allows the missile to carry a heavier warhead (60 kg). The solid-propellant booster accelerates the missile in 4.5 seconds to Mach 1.5, which is then jettisoned and the ramjet motor is then ignited for 30 seconds to Mach 2.8 - 3.5 at 20g. Akash has a range of 27 km, with an effective ceiling of 15 km. It is capable of detecting & destroying aircraft flying at tree-top height. Development is on to increase speed, maximum altitude and range to 60 km. A dual mode radar/infra-red seeker is also being developed as is a longer range version of the Rajendra radar, to give earlier warning and tracking of ballistic missile targets.

In appearance, Akash is very similar to the ZRK-SD Kub (SA-6), with four long tube ramjet inlet ducts mounted mid-body between wings. Four clipped triangular moving wings, mid-body, for pitch/yaw control. Forward of tail, four inline clipped delta fins with ailerons for roll control. Flight control surfaces operated by pneumatic actuators. The warhead has a lethal radius of 20 metres, weighs 60 kg and has Doppler radar proximity/contact fusing. The missile is believed to have tail G/H-Band beacon to assist tracking by engagement radar. Guidance system is inertial with mid-course command updates from Rajendra and semi-active radar seeker for terminal phase (final 3-4 seconds).

Rajendra is a 3D phased-array surveillance/engagement radar developed by the Electronic Research & Development Establishment (ERDE). Also mounted on a modified BMP-1 chassis, like the Akash, the radar is capable of tracking 64 targets, engage 4 simultaneously and guide up to 12 missiles. The system is reportedly similar to the 30N6 (Flap-Lid B) engagement radar. Has air surveillance, multiple target tracking and multiple missile guidance functions via multi-channel monopulse. Features fully digital signal processing system with adaptive moving target indicator, coherent signal processing, FFTs, and variable pulse repetition frequency.

Mounted on a turntable at the front of a raised platform behind the driver&#39;s station, the multi-element antenna arrangement folds flat when the vehicle is in motion. Radar comprises surveillance antenna array with 4000 elements operating in the G/H-Band (4-8 GHz), engagement antenna array with 1000 elements operating in the I/J-Band (8-20 GHz), a 16-element IFF array and steering units. The surveillance radar range is 60 km against aircraft targets. A longer range version is being developed. The Army intends to use the Rajendra radar in the artillery locating role as well. An Akash battery consists of three missile launch vehicles (triple launcher on a modified BMP-1 chassis), a Rajendra fire control radar vehicle, a long-range surveillance radar vehicle and an armoured command vehicle. Series production of ~25 missiles per year, was expected to commence in 2000 at Bharat Dynamics Ltd. No reliable information has been received so far, as to whether Akash missile production has begun.

Thanks,

Miro

 

[miroslav]

AKASH SAM

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Test fire of an Akash SAM from a specially modified BMP-1 IFV chassis.

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An Akash SAM battery mounted on a specially modified BMP-1 IFV chassis.

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The 3D Rajendra radar mounted on a specially modified BMP-1 IFV chassis.

Thanks,

Miro

 

[miroslav]

Originally posted by Yahya@Nov 27 2005, 07:04 AM
Indian Army Sathi...please read.

http://www.ncoretech.com/sathi/pdf/sathi.pdf
Presenting the world&#39;s first integrated Battle Computer, SATHI (Situation Awareness and Tactical Handheld Information) from Encore&#39;s suite of mobile computing products.

[post=3841]Quoted post[/post]​

Russia evinces interest in Indian Army&#39;s &#39;Sathi&#39;
Bangalore | November 28, 2005 5:31:35 PM IST

Russia and Israel have evinced keen interest in &#39;Sathi&#39;, the indigenously developed electronic gadget which proved handy for Army personnel to receive and transmit voice and data messages with least chance of intercepting.
Bangalore-based Encore Software Chairman and CEO Vinav L Deshpande, presenting his company&#39;s profile at the &#39;IT innovation in India 2005,&#39; organised by the National Association of Software and Service Companies (NASSCOM) here today, informed that the product, developed by his company with funding from the Indian Army, got wide attention from various countries.

&#39;Sathi&#39; with MP3 player and new dimension military technology, rechargeable through both solar and vehicles, had demonstrated Indian Army&#39;s strategic leadership to the world, he added.

Mr Deshpande said the Army had signed an agreement with Encore Systems to market the product outside the country and share the revenue. It was also agreed to keep apart some of the sale proceeds for further enhancing its quality and value.

Stating that its price was low when compared to a similar product in the United States, which was inferior in both hardware and software capability, he said the device sought to address the lack of precise information on location of soldiers and teams in the battlefield and any lack of operational and graphic picture to commanders directing the conduct of battle. It would provide accurate information about location during deployment of military missions within 20 metres and provide military commanders with operational picture every few seconds. Military commanders could thus respond to sudden developments by modifying operational plans real time, he added.

The first leg of the event was held in Pune on November 21.

Link

Miro

 

[miroslav]

ASTRA BVRAAM

Astra is a state-of-the-art beyond visual range air to air missile (BVRAAM) designed for a range of over 80 km in head-on mode and 20 km in tail-chase mode. It can engage highly manoeuvring targets. The Astra missile programme is headed by the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO). The goal of this programme is to provide the Indian Air Force (IAF) with an indigenously-designed BVRAAM to equip the IAF&#39;s Mirage 2000, MiG-29, Su-30MKI and the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). A model of the Astra missile was first shown to the public at Aero India &#39;98. On 25 July 2001 in Indian Parliament, then-incumbent Defence Minister Jaswant Singh said that a feasibility study for the Astra has commenced, after the completion of which a project for development of the Astra is planned to be undertaken.

Development of this missile is likely to take about seven to eight years. The Indian government funded the Rs.1000-crore national project to develop a futuristic BVRAM missile Astra in June 2004 for delivery by 2009. Led by the Hyderabad-based Defence Research & Development Laboratory (DRDL), this indigenously developed missile is estimated to cost Rs. 3 to 5 crore. The missile is expected to be at the high-end of tactical missiles, and propel India into the exclusive club of countries to possess such missiles. The US has a similar missile but heavier, while Israel also has a BVR missile, but the range is comparatively shorter. The Mirage 2000H has been designated as the first potential platform for the Astra when the weapon enters service at the end of this decade. The Astra was first test fired on 09 May 2003.

The missile is capable of operating in the altitude bracket from sea level to 20 km. It has a single stage smokeless solid fuel rocket with a burn time of 5.4 seconds. It&#39;s low drag low aspect ratio wings allows it to reach long range. It uses dual mode guidance i.e. inertial navigation during midcourse and active radar homing in terminal phase. Secure data link allows midcourse re-tasking. On board autopilot and guidance software uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) for accurate guidance and optimized trajectory. The on-board ECCM capability allows it to stay on course in spite of enemy ECM (deception or noise jamming) by target aircraft (self protection jammer or dedicated EW aircraft). The 15 kg high explosive payload is pre-fragmented and proximity fuse armed. The guidance computer aims the shape charge to focus the explosive energy towards the target.

The Astra is intended to have performance characteristics similar to the R-77RVV-AE (AA-12), which currently forms part of the IAF&#39;s missile armoury. The missile is 3.8 metres long and is said to be configured like a longer version of the Super 530D, narrower in front of the wings. Astra uses a HTPB solid-fuel propellant and a 15 kg HE (high-explosive) warhead, activated by a proximity fuse. The missile has a maximum speed of Mach 4+ and a maximum altitude of 20 km. The missile is designed to pull a lateral acceleration of 40g in both yaw and pitch planes using 4 fins at the rear as all moveable control surfaces. The missile can also be launched in close combat. Although designed to use a locally developed solid fuel propellant, DRDO is also looking at rocket/ramjet propulsion to provide greater range and enhanced kinematic performance.

Robert Hewson, editor of Jane&#39;s Air Launched Weapons (JALW), in a March 2003 issue of Jane&#39;s Defence Weekly (JDW) stated, "The basic Astra design uses a metallic airframe with a long low aspect-ratio wing and a single-stage smokeless rocket motor. After launch, the missile will use a combination of inertial mid-course guidance and/or data-linked targeting updates before it enters its terminal acquisition phase. In a head-on engagement, the Astra will have a maximum range of 80 km. The missile&#39;s onboard radio-frequency seeker has been largely designed in India but incorporates a degree of outside assistance, according to DRDO sources. It will have an autonomous homing range of 15 km. The missile&#39;s warhead is a pre-fragmented directional unit, fitted with a proximity fuze. A radar fuze already exists for the Astra, but the DRDO is currently working on a new laser fuze.

Specifications

• Length: 3570 mm
• Body Diameter: 178 mm
• Wing Span: Not Known
• Launch Weight: 154 kg

• Air Launcher Weight: 60 kg
• Launch Altitude: Sea level (minimum) to 20 km (maximum).

• Launch Speed: 0.6 to 2.2 Mach.

• Warhead: 15 kg pre-fragmented, high explosive, directional warhead.
• Propulsion: One solid rocket motor.
• Burn Time: 5.4 seconds.

• Range: 80 km head on, 20 km tail chase.

• Maximum Turning Acceleration: 40 Gs (Yaw & Pitch)

• Fuse: Radar Proximity (laser proximity to follow).
• Guidance: Inertial midcourse with data-linked updates, active-radar terminal homing.

Miro

 

[miroslav]

Astra Images

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Model of the Astra BVRAAM at Aero India &#39;98. The other &#39;missile&#39; model in the background is also another DRDO creation --&#62; the medium-range Akash surface-to-air missile.

Thanks,

Miro

 

[miroslav]

Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)

The indigenously developed Dhruv is a multi-role new generation helicopter in the 5.5-ton weight class. It has flown extensively in diverse terrains ranging from hot tropical deserts to the great Himalayan ranges. Dhruv has high military capabilities for heliborne assault, logistic support, casualty evacuation, reconnaissance and training. It can also be used as air observation post.

It is designed to meet the requirement of both military and civil operations. The civil variant of Dhruv carries forward the ruggedness of the military variant. It can carry six passengers in the executive version and twelve in the passenger version.

The "Dhruv" Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), is a unique multirole, state-of- the-art, cost-effective helicopter in the 4-5 ton class. ALH has incorporated hingeless composite main rooter with elastomeric bearings, a bearingless composite tail rotor, integrated dynamic transmission system, full authority digitial engine control and crashworthy composite airframe.

HAL has a letter of intent for 300 of the ALH from the Indian government and its agencies, and hopes to deliver 24 annually. Some 110 are planned for the Indian Army, 150 for the Air Force, and 40 in a combined batch for the Navy and Coast Guard. Nepal is receiving three. In a joint venture with Israel Aircraft Industries, the Dhruv is offered for export with a Lahav avionics package, featuring a glass cockpit and Doppler/GPS navigation.

The Advanced Light Helicopter is HAL’s flagship program and it has been accorded high priority in the country in terms of development, production and marketing for the next decade. Indigenously designed and developed to meet the requirements of the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Coast Guard, the ALH can fly at high altitudes, possesses sea-level high lift capability and performs at high speed. It is an armed gunship, a utility transport, an anti-submarine warfare/anti-surface vessel warfare helicopter and a platform for search and rescue and casualty evacuation. The ALHs are powered by two Turbomeca TM 333 turboshaft engines procured from France and these will be produced under licence by HAL.

The first prototype was airborne in August 1992, The second in April 1993, the third prototype had its maiden flight in May 1994 and the fourth prototype with tricycle landing gear took to the skies in December 1995. These four prototypes of ALH underwent development flight testing for performanceevaluation and have successfully completed sea-level, cold weather & high altitude and ship deck trials.

With its wide body, specious and quite cabin, sliding doors, emergency exits, smooth and vibration free rides which are important for passenger comfort, the ALH fits well into the civil role. Large rear clamshell doors provide easy loading of stretchers or other bulky loads. The helicopter is planned for a wide range of civil roles like VIP travel, Commuter, Search and rescue, Emergency medical service, Underslung load, Disaster relief, Offshore operation etc. It is easy to fly and economical to maintain with all these operational flexibility.

ALH has been designed with close interaction with the military from the beginning. With sonar/sonics, radar, ESM, torpedoes, depth charges and anti Ship Missiles, ALH forms one of themost agile and quick response ASW, ASV platform in the world. With the turret gun, rockets, air-to-air missiles and third generation anti-tank missiles, ALH has the teeth for attack alongwith significant self defence and protection system.

The hingeless main rotor offers good maneuverability and maintenance-free operation. The advanced blade profiles ensure low noise, highspeed and efficient lift. The advanced cockpit reduces pilot workload. The extensive use of composites ensures longer life and low life cycle cost. High reliability is due to redundancy in critical system. Easy maintenance is due to modular design and BITE facility in major systems. Integrated Dynamic System offers low vulnerability, increased safety and reliability.

The ALH is built to international design standards stipulated by FAR and US MIL. Designed to cater to the diverse needs of Army, Navy and Air Force, as well as Civil sector, ALH has versatitily to carry out a variety of roles. It can operate with equal ease over sea, high altitude, sandy deserts and adverse environmental conditions. The ALH is presently in the advanced stage of certification, having undergone extensive flight tests for demonstrating compliance with variety of requirements. A civil variant ALH ptototype is also under development.

When the basics of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.’s Advanced Light Helicopter were revealed in November 1984, it seemed then a tour de force of modern rotorcraft technology, featuring a hingeless main rotor, bearing-free tail rotor, Fadec and the extensive use of composites throughout its 12- to 14-passenger airframe. However, difficulties with program supporter MBB slowed the program, and funding cuts and disagreements between HAL and the Indian military–which is footing a good deal of the ALH bill–stifled progress still further. The imposition of US sanctions against India after the nuclear tests of 1998 restricted access to LHTEC 800 - the ALH&#39;s intended power-plant. This forced HAL to re-certify the aircraft with the less powerful Turbomeca TM333-2B turbo-shafts

In March 2002 HAL delivered its first advanced light helicopter to the Coast Guard, ten years after the prototype made its maiden flight. The helicopters cost 250 million rupees (5.1 million dollars) each.

The prototype of the Army version was first flown in 1994 and the Army, Navy and the Air Force received the initial helicopters in mid-2002. HAL deliver 10 of the helicopters to the armed forces and during the year the company made about 14 helicopters. Production was slated to rise to 34 in 2003, which would include the civilian market. The Indian military has expressed a need for over a hundred ALHs. Half of the Army&#39;s 120 ALH order will be weapons systems integrated, with the remaining serving in utility and transport roles.

HAL concentrated on integration work. With the turret gun, rockets, air-to-air missiles and third generation anti-tank missiles, ALH has the teeth for attack together with self-defence and protection systems. The naval version of the ALH is fitted with sonar/sonics system, surveillance radar, ESM system and tactical mission system and is armed with torpedo/depth charges and anti-ship missiles for anti-submarine and anti-surface vessel missions.

The Air Force received its first two Dhruvs (J-4041 and J-4042) on 30 March 2002. The IAF intends to procure Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) as utility helicopters from HAL to replace the Chetak helicopter. The ALH received good reviews at the recently concluded Singapore Air Show where the IAF displayed the helicopter through its display team “SARANG”. The initial helicopters would have a conventional cockpit, which would be upgraded to a glass cockpit with an upgraded engine. In February 2004, 5 ALHs of IAF participated in the air display a Singapore Air Show.

Specifications
Length :
12.89 m

Height :
3.76 m

Wingspan :
13.20 m

Weight empty :
2216 kg

Max. T/O weight :
5500 kg

Cruising speed :
245 km/h

Max. speed :
280 km/h

Climb rate :
9.00 m/s

Max. Range :
400 km

Service ceiling :
6000 m

Engines :
2x Turboprop Engine - Turboméca TM 333 2B

Power rating :
1000 wps

Total power rating :
2000 wps

Crew :
2

Payload :
14pax (max 1500kg)

Thanks,

Miro

 

[miroslav]

HAL DHRUV The Indian Army Version

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Fully armed HAL Dhruv

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HAL Dhruv at Siachen

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Note the distinctive fin fitted under the helicopter&#39;s nose, to prevent invisible yaw induced by the nose.


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Sporting a three-tone colour camouflage, this Dhruv [IA-1102] takes to the air for a brief ride.

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IA-1103, from No.201 Squadron of the Army Aviation Corps, prepares for take-off.

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IA-1103, from No.201 Squadron, hovering above the ground at Bangalore.

Thanks,

Miro

 

[miroslav]

HAL Dhruv The Indian Air Force Version

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The first HAL Dhruv (J-4041), in IAF colours, prior to delivery. The first two helicopters were delivered to the Indian Air Force on 28 March 2002 at a simple ceremony in Bangalore.

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IAF&#39;s HAL Dhruv (J-4042), doing the trial flights at Bangalore in July 2002.

Thanks,

Miro

 

[miroslav]

HAL Dhruv in The Indian Navy Service

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Naval ALH at Aero India.

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Armed with Torpedo and Chin mounted SV-2000 Radar.

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HAL Dhruv landing onboard INS Ganga during it&#39;s sea trials in 1997.

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Displaying it&#39;s flying capabilities at Aero-India 98

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HAL Dhruv attempts to land onboard INS Ganga.

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HAL Dhruv during it&#39;s trials onboard oof INS Viraat.

Thanks,

Miro

 

[miroslav]

HAL Dhruv in Indian Coast Guard Service

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At it&#39;s induction ceremony in Coast Guard. Picture taken at Banglore.

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Attempting to land onboard a Coast Guard vessel.

Thanks,

Miro

 

[miroslav]

Air Ambulance version of HAL Dhruv

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Civil varient of HAL-Dhruv

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Thanks,

Miro

 

[miroslav]

The Indian Air Force &#39;Sarang&#39; Aerobaic display team

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Sarang is the first Indian Air Force helicopter formation display team. The team flies three HAL- ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) Dhruv (North Star) helicopters from Bangalore. The word "Sarang" means Peacock in sanskrit and is chosen for it is the national bird of India. The Birds beauty and grace is legendry in Indian mythology. The crew and aircraft belong to the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment of the IAF, which is facilitating the entry into service of this new helicopter.

Three aircraft are currently painted in this new scheme, which represents the colours of the peacock. The team also practices with its non-painted ac and also with the only wheeled variant with the IAF (originally only the Navy and the Coast Guard are to get the wheeled variant).

Thanks,

Miro