HAL offers solution for ALH blade folding

27th May 2020 - 00:00 GMT | by KP Sanjeev Kumar in Mumbai

RSS

Indian aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has put forward a ‘two-segmented blade’ proposal to meet the Indian Navy’s (IN's) long-standing requirement for a compliant blade-fold system on the 5.5t Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv naval variant.

The IN has eight Dhruvs based at two locations on the western coast. Inducted in 2013, they form a miniscule proportion of the more than 250 ALHs produced to date. Two key non-compliances for sustained embarked operations – namely, its folded dimensions and a practical, manual blade-fold system – have thus far limited the helicopter to largely shore-based roles.

The IN was unhappy

Already have an account? Log in

Want to keep reading this article?

Read this Article

Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account

Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
2 free stories per week
Daily news round-up email service
Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters

Create account

Unlimited Access

Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.

Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
Unlimited access to all published premium news

Start your free trial

Author

KP Sanjeev Kumar

KP Sanjeev Kumar is a former navy test pilot, who blogs at www.kaypius.com. He has …

Read full bio

More from Air Warfare

IDEX 2025: Embraer pushes counter-UAV capabilities for its Super Tucano

Embraer is looking to position its Super Tucano aircraft to Middle Eastern countries at IDEX to join current customers Lebanon and Afghanistan.
IDEX 2025: China attacks the loitering munition market

At IDEX 2025, held in Abu Dhabi this week, an array of Chinese attack UAVs, primarily loitering munitions, have been on display.
IDEX 2025: Heven Drones’ Raider UAS aims for 2026 delivery date

The modular twin-fuselage, hydrogen-powered uncrewed aerial system has just been unveiled, with the company conducting final flight tests and maturing the product later this year.
Indian Air Force airlifter contract bidders push credentials at Aero India

The three main bidders aiming to replace India’s ageing An-32 and Il-76 transporter fleet were at Aero India to put their case, despite recent geopolitical pressures on the competition.
IDEX 2025: GA-ASI to unveil new exportable small UAS platform in June 2025

While the product remains in development, GA-ASI is looking to target the international market with a new small UAS, focusing on exportability.
IDEX 2025: Jump 20-X marks the spot for AeroVironment

AeroVironment showcased the Jump 20-X, an advancement of the company’s Jump 20 VTOL-capable fixed-wing UAV, at this year’s IDEX in Abu Dhabi.