1. Design and development

2. Service history

3. Variants

4. Operators

5. Specifications (Dhruv)

6. See also

7. References

8. External links

The HAL Rudra, also known as ALH-WSI, is an armed version of HAL Dhruv. Rudra is equipped with Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) and Thermal Imaging Sights Interface, a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rocket pods, anti-tank guided missiles and air-to-air missiles.^[1]

Design and development

While flight testing the Light Combat Helicopter, a modified version of HAL Dhruv, the Indian Army came to the conclusion that without making any major modifications to the Dhruv air-frame, an armed variant can also be developed and delivered to the army quickly. This variant was named Rudra.^[2]

The Rudra underwent integration trial for armament and electro-optical systems and a final round of weapon firing trials in September 2011, which included testing of the 20-mm turret gun. The 70 mm rockets and MBDA Mistral air-to-air missiles were tested in November 2011.^[3] The helicopter exceeded the payload and performance requirements at the height of 6 km. It has integrated sensors, weapons and electronic warfare suite, and uses an upgraded version of the glass cockpit used in the HAL Dhruv Mk-III. The sensors include stabilised day and night cameras, infrared imaging as well as laser ranging and designation.^[4] It has an Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) from SAAB, with electronic warfare self-protection which is fully integrated into the glass cockpit. On-board self-defence systems include radar & missile detectors, IR jammer, chaff and flare dispensers. The helicopter can be used in both unarmed and armed roles that include reconnaissance, troop transport, anti-tank warfare and close air support.^[5]

In September 2012, ground tests for the first production Rudra were completed. It featured a turret gun, rockets, air-to-air missiles and could carry air-to-ground missiles like the anti-tank helicopter-launched Nag. HAL was awarded with a combined order of 76 Rudras for the Indian army, the primary customer, and the Indian air force.

The Indian Navy conducted flight trials in 2012-13, and found the helicopter suitable for coastal surveillance operations. It was impressed with the capability of the Rudra's sensors to track ships at 12 and 14 km. The image quality of the sensors was described as good enough to even read the name of ships at those ranges, and the navy was keen to order at least 20 helicopters.^[6]

Service history

Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) was expected by late 2012 and deliveries of production helicopters were to start by 2013.^[7] On 4 February 2013 during Aero India, the HAL Rudra Mk-IV achieved IOC,^[8] and two helicopters were handed over to the army.^[9]

Variants

Rudra, or ALH-WSI (Weapon Systems Integrated) has two main versions.

• Mark III: This version has Electronic Warfare, countermeasures, sensors and targeting systems installed, but does not feature weapons.^[10][11]
• Mark IV: This version is to have a French Nexter 20 mm turret gun, Belgian 70 mm rockets, and MBDA air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, such as the anti-tank Helina missile.^[10] All these systems have been tested individually.

Operators

{{IND}}

• Indian Air Force (16 on order)^[12]
• Indian Army (60 on order)^[13]

Specifications (Dhruv)

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|crew=Two pilots
|capacity=12 passengers (14 passengers in high density seating)
|length m=15.87
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|gross weight kg=4445
|gross weight lb=
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|max takeoff weight kg=5800
|max takeoff weight lb=
|max takeoff weight note=for Mk IV
|fuel capacity={{cvt|1055|kg|lb}}
|more general=

|eng1 number=2
|eng1 name=HAL/Turbomeca Shakti
|eng1 type=turboshaft
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|eng1 shp=1432
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|power original=
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|rot number=1
|rot dia m=13.2
|rot dia ft=
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|rot area sqm=136.85
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|rot area note=

|perfhide=
|max speed kmh=
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|cruise speed kmh=
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|cruise speed kts=
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|never exceed speed kmh=245
|never exceed speed mph=
|never exceed speed kts=
|never exceed speed note=for Mk IV
|range km=590
|range miles=
|range nmi=
|range note=for Mk IV
|combat range km=
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|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=
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|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=3.8 hours
|ceiling m=
|ceiling ft=20000
|ceiling note=^[16]
|climb rate ms=10.33
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|disk loading kg/m2=40.19
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|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=
|more performance=

|armament=

• 1 × 20mm M621 cannon on Nexter THL-20 chin-mounted gun turret
• 1 × 7.62 mm cabin-mounted machine gun (coast guard version)
• 4 × MBDA Mistral-1 short-range air-to-air missiles
• 4 × 70 mm FZ or Thales 12-round rocket pods^[17]
• 8 × Helina anti-tank guided missiles (planned)
• 2 torpedoes or depth charges or 4 anti-ship missiles (planned for navy version)

• Elbit CoMPASS optoelectronic suite for reconnaissance and target acquisition
• RWS-300 radar warning system or LWS-310 laser warning system
• MAW-300 missile approach warning system
• SAAB IDAS-3 self-protection suite
• BOP-L ECM dispenser

See also

• HAL Dhruv
• HAL LCH

• List of rotorcraft

References

External links

• HAL Rudra at Aero India 2013.
• WSI (Weapons Systems Integrated) Dhruv
• Image of ALH-WSI
• [https://archive.is/20130614205032/http://idp.justthe80.com/common-projects/dhruv---advanced-light-helicopter-alh#TOC-Rudra---Weaponized-Dhruv-ALH-WSI- HAL Rudra]

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