HAL to increase production of Advanced Light Helicopters

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will increase the production of Dhruv, it's multi-role, multi-mission Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), in a phased manner. Aircraft Research and Design Centre (ARDC) officials said that 18 ALH were expected to fly out of the HAL stable in 2007. The targets for 2008 and 2009 were 24 and 33 respectively, they said. Around 65 Dhruvs are already in service with the defence forces, including the Coast Guard. The weaponised version of Dhruv is tipped for a 2008 launch. Earlier, Chief Test Pilot Wg Cdr Upadhyay said 10 ALH that comprises the 202 Army Aviation Squadron will soon be delivered at Leh. Meanwhile, upgrading of helicopters with Shakti Engine, done by Turbomeca and HAL, is on at the ALH assembly unit. The upgraded copters have Multi Function Displays (MFDs) and have had their cold-weather trial in Leh. "The ground runs will start by the end of January. The copters are scheduled for a late 2007 certification," Wg Cdr Upadhyay said.

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