The copter, which is called the ALH Mark-IV version and is known by its military name ‘Rudra’, was used in Eastern Ladakh during the stand-off with China. The IAF has one squadron of 14 to 16 copters and is looking to get at least three more squadrons. The Army also operates the ‘Rudra’.

A senior functionary told The Tribune that “more Rudra are being purchased and a case is being moved to the Ministry of Defence”. The copter did “very well” in the sub-sector north (SSN) — the military name for high-altitude plateau and sensitive Depsang plateau in Northern Ladakh, the functionary added. Helipads in these locations are at an altitude of more than 15,000 ft.

Produced by state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the copters are adapted for high altitudes and powered by ‘shakti engines’ that can take it to 20,000 ft. The engine is designed and made under a joint venture between Safran of France and the HAL.

The weapon fitment on ALH Mk-IV includes a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rocket pods and air-to-air missile. The copter is expected to be equipped with the newly made anti-tank missile, Helina.

The copter can be used for anti-tank warfare and close air support for ground troops. The maximum take-off weight of the helicopter is 5,500 kg and it can carry a payload of 2,600 kg.

The helicopter has multifunctional displays and an automatic flight control system for pilots.

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The anti-tank missile was tested again next day, this time in the northern high altitude mountain regions after its successful test on Monday in the desert regions of Pokhran.

The flight trials were conducted from an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the missile was fired successfully engaging simulated tank target. The missile is guided by an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker operating in the Lock on Before Launch mode. It is one of the most advanced anti-tank weapons in the world.

In continuation to validation trials conducted at Pokhran in Rajasthan, proof of efficacy at high altitudes paves the way for its integration on the ALH. The trials were witnessed by senior Army commanders and senior scientists of the DRDO.

With the flight test, consistent performance of the complete system, including Imaging Infra-Red Seeker, has been established, which will enable the induction of the ‘Helina’ into the armed forces,” said a press statement from the Ministry of Defence on 12 April.

DRDO has said that the Helina missile system has all weather day and night capability and can defeat battle tanks with conventional armour as well as explosive reactive armour. It has been developed for integration with choppers in both the Army and Air Force.

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), which manufactures the German-origin Dorniers at its Kanpur unit, has invited the Indian industry for the design and development and subsequent supply of fully assembled radio altimeters. The radio altimeter provides accurate altitude information to the cockpit crew during low altitude flight, generally up to a height of about 2,500 ft. It consists of a receiver transmitter and antennae for exchange of information with ground stations.

Sources said a request for information was floated by HAL about a month ago, stating that a new radio altimeter for the Do-228 was an “immediate requirement.” At present, the Dorniers are equipped with the Collins ALT-4000 radio altimeter that is manufactured by Collins Aerospace, a US-based subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies that also has a set-up in India.

More than 140 Do-228 aircraft produced by HAL are presently in service in India and overseas, primarily with the Indian Air Force, Navy and the Coast Guard.

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Mauritius already operates a ALH and Dornier Do-228 aircraft built by HAL. “With this contract, HAL and Government of Mauritius have further strengthened the long-standing business relations spanning over three decades,” a HAL statement said.

The contract was signed by B.K. Tripathy, General Manager, Helicopter Division-HAL and O.K. Dabidin, Secretary of Home Affairs, Prime Minister’s Office, Government of Mauritius, recently at HAL’s Transport Aircraft Division, Kanpur.

The ALH Mk III is a multi-role, multi-mission helicopter in the 5.5 tonne category in extensive use by the Indian armed forces and has also been exported.

More than 335 ALHs have been produced till date logging around 3,40,000 cumulative flying hours. HAL also ensures technical assistance and product support to the customer to ensure healthy serviceability of the helicopter, the statement noted.

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Liebherr and HAL previously co-operated on military aviation programmes such as the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, Tejas light fighter aircraft and Dornier Do 228 maritime patrol aircraft.

The Indian Defence Acquisition Council in early November approved the procurement of 12 LUHs from HAL with the first delivery scheduled for August 2022.

However, ordering a dozen LUHs will barely make a dent on Indian requirements for 187 new light helicopters to replace elderly Chetak and Cheetah platforms.

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