HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv-NG takes to skies for first time in Bengaluru

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday inaugurated the first flight of the Dhruv NG, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited’s (HAL) next-generation civil helicopter, designed to meet the evolving demands of India’s civil aviation sector. Before take-off from HAL’s facility, the minister joined the pilot in the cockpit to gain a firsthand experience of the helicopter’s advanced systems and features.

HAL officials described the Dhruv NG as a “sophisticated 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter engineered to master the diverse and demanding requirements of the Indian terrain” and noted that it has been upgraded to meet the rigorous standards of the global civil aviation market, reported PTI.

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The helicopter marks a significant milestone in India’s indigenous rotary-wing capability, with a focus on enhanced safety, performance, and passenger comfort. It is powered by twin Shakti 1H1C engines, which provide improved power ratings and the advantage of internal maintenance capabilities within India.

“The helicopter features a world-class, civil-certified glass cockpit, compliant with AS4 requirements, and a modern avionics suite for superior situational awareness,” HAL officials said.

Safety has been a priority in the Dhruv NG’s design, with crashworthy seats, self-sealing fuel tanks, and a proven twin-engine configuration offering high redundancy. Advanced vibration control systems ensure a smooth ride, making the helicopter suitable for VIP transport as well as medical evacuation missions.

Key specifications include a maximum take-off weight of 5,500 kg, a top speed of around 285 km/h, a range of approximately 630 km with a 20-minute reserve, an endurance of nearly three hours and 40 minutes, a service ceiling of 6,000 metres, and an internal payload capacity of about 1,000 kg.

The Dhruv NG’s cabin, spanning 7.33 cubic metres, is highly configurable. For VIP or VVIP transport, it can accommodate four to six passengers in luxury fittings, with a maximum capacity of 14. In its Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) configuration, it can carry four stretchers along with a doctor and attendant.

HAL also highlighted the helicopter’s versatility for specialised roles, including offshore operations, law enforcement, and disaster relief (search and rescue). The company positioned the Dhruv Civil NG as “a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters.”

With inputs from PTI