Dhruv-NG (Next Generation)

Recently, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) successfully conducted the maiden flight of the Dhruv-NG.

About Dhruv-NG

• Dhruv-NG is an indigenously upgraded civil variant of the proven Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv), designed to meet contemporary global civil aviation safety, performance, and comfort standards.
• Technical Architecture: It is a 5.5-tonne class, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter. 
• Engine & Milestone: It is powered by the Shakti Civil Engine.
  • Regulatory Breakthrough: HAL received DGCA certification for Indigenous Manufacturing of the Shakti Civil Engine—India’s first Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-certified aero-engine for indigenous production.
  • Partnership: The milestone was achieved in coordination with Safran Helicopter Engines (France).
• Aim: To reduce India’s dependence on foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and establish the nation as a global hub for civil helicopter manufacturing.
• Capacity & Performance:
  • Passenger Load: Configured to carry up to 14 passengers.
  • High Altitude Capability: Features a service ceiling of 6,000 meters, making it ideal for the Himalayan terrain and religious tourism circuits like Char Dham.
• Development Authority: By Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) at its facility in Bengaluru.
• Strategic Applications: Engineered for high-demand civil sectors including:
  • Offshore Logistics: Transporting personnel to oil fields like Bombay High (Pawan Hans Ltd has already ordered 8 units).
  • HEMS: Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (Air Ambulance).
  • Heli-Tourism & VIP Movement: Catering to state governments and private operators.
• Domestic Ecosystem: The Dhruv-NG represents a strategic shift where HAL balances its focus between Defense and Civil aviation:
  • Indigenisation: Currently 65% indigenous, with a goal to reach 80% over the next decade.
  • Certification Roadmap: Unlike military variants certified by CEMILAC, the Dhruv-NG is undergoing rigorous DGCA (Civil) certification, with 150 test flights planned over the next few months.
• Significance:
  • Sectoral Diversification: Signals HAL’s formal entry into the commercial market, targeting a projected demand for 1,000 helicopters domestically and 15,000 globally in the next decade.
  • Economic Efficiency: Competitive pricing due to high local content and in-country maintenance of the Shakti engine.
  • Sovereignty: Strengthens India’s indigenous civil aviation ecosystem and aligns with the UDAN 5.1 scheme to enhance regional connectivity.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

DOWNLOAD PDF