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HAL Rudra

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Rudra
HAL Rudra of Indian Army in flight
Role Armed helicopter
National origin India
Manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Design group Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre[1]
First flight 16 August 2007
Introduction 2012
Status In service
Primary users Indian Army
Indian Air Force
Produced 2007-present
Number built 91 (75 on order)
Developed from HAL Dhruv

The HAL Rudra (Sanskrit - Roaring)[2] also known as ALH-WSI, is an armed version of the HAL Dhruv utility helicopter which is designed and produced by the Indian aerospace manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The Rudra was developed in parallel to the HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), a more extensive attack helicopter developed from the Dhruv. Extensive changes from the Dhruv were avoided to produce the Rudra with the express purpose of providing an indigenous armed helicopter faster than the LCH programme could do so. The Mark III variant features the sensors and mission equipment, but lacked weaponry; the Rudra Mark IV is provisioned with various armaments. The Rudra is equipped with forward looking infrared (FLIR), day-and-night optical cameras, and a Thermal Imaging Sights Interface; armed models feature a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rocket pods, anti-tank guided missiles and air-to-air missiles.[3][4] Work on the programme started in December 1998, and the prototype Rudra conducted its maiden flight on 16 August 2007.

Between 2011 and 2013, extensive flight testing of the Rudra took place, during which it was proved to have largely fulfilled or surpassed set requirements. Its primary customer is the Indian Army, who took delivery of the first pair of Rudra helicopters in February 2013, the same month in which the type attained Initial Operational Clearance (IOC).[5] In addition to the Indian Army, both the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy have taken interest in the type.

Design and development

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Amid the development of the more comprehensive Light Combat Helicopter, an attack-orientated derivative of the HAL Dhruv utility helicopter, Indian Army officials concluded that there was value in procuring an armed model of the Dhruv.[6] By intentionally avoiding any non-essential major modification to the original airframe, this armed Dhruv could be developed and delivered relatively quickly. The concept was initially referred to as the Dhruv-WSI (Weapons System Integrated).[7] Thereafter, the name Rudra was adopted.[5] Development of the Rudra was officially sanctioned during December 1998.[8]

Head-on view of a Rudra

The Rudra features integrated sensors, weapons and an electronic warfare suite; it is also furnished with an upgraded version of the glass cockpit used in the HAL Dhruv Mk III. These sensors include stabilised day and night cameras, infrared imaging, as well as laser ranging and designation.[9] It has an Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) from Saab AB, with an electronic warfare self-protection system that is fully integrated into the glass cockpit. Onboard self-defence systems include radar and missile detectors, IR jammer, chaff and flare dispensers. The helicopter can be used in both unarmed and armed roles that include aerial reconnaissance, troop transport, anti-tank warfare and close air support.[10]

HAL Rudra firing FZ275 LGR rockets at Exercise Yudh Abhyas

During July 2005, the project was rescoped to include integration of additional systems along with the integration of a higher powered model of the HAL/Turbomeca Shakti turboshaft engine. Post-revision, the cost of the Rudra programme was reported to be Rs 710.29 Cr in April 2007; at this point, the scheduled completion date was stated to be July 2008.[8] On 16 August 2007, the prototype Rudra conducted its maiden flight.[11]

In September 2011, the Rudra underwent integration trials of its armaments and electro-optical systems, which included a final round of weapon firing trials, such as of its 20 mm turret gun. Both 70 mm rockets and MBDA Mistral air-to-air missiles were also test fired during November 2011.[12] The helicopter reportedly exceeded both the payload and performance requirements while flying at an altitude of 6 km.[9]

Formation flight of three Indian Air Force Rudras

During September 2012, ground tests were completed using the first production Rudra. It was armed with a turret gun, rockets, air-to-air missiles and could carry air-to-ground missiles like the anti-tank helicopter-launched Nag. Accordingly, HAL was awarded with a combined order for 76 Rudras, these were destined for the Indian Army, who were the type's primary customer, as well as the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Between 2012 and 2013, the Rudra underwent a series of flight trials on behalf of the Indian Navy; it was found that the helicopter was suitable for conducting coastal surveillance operations. The service was reportedly impressed with the capability of the Rudra's sensors to track ships at up to 14 km away. 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 for its own purposes.[13] Prior to this round of testing, the Rudra had been evaluated for the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission, weapons tests had included the firing of both torpedoes and depth charges, which had reportedly been completed successfully.[14]

Operational history

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Rudra attack helicopters during exercise Vayushakti 2024.

The Rudra was expected to attained Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) by late 2012, while deliveries of production helicopters were set to commence by 2013.[15] On 4 February 2013, at the Aero India trade show, it was announced that the HAL Rudra Mk IV had achieved IOC,[16][17] and that a pair of helicopters had been handed over to the Indian Army.[18][5] The Indian Army continued to take deliveries of the type; by 2017, 22 armed Rudras had reportedly been delivered to the service.[19][20]

HAL Rudra providing close air support during Exercise Gagan Strike

The Indian Air Force has also received eight armed Rudras by 2017.[20] By 2021, while the more comprehensive LCH was now available, there was still reportedly demand to continue ordering additional Rudras on account of its comparatively cheaper unit cost.[21] In April 2022, a planned $1.1 billion procurement of 48 Russian Mil Mi-17V-5 helicopters intended for the Indian Air Force (IAF), federal interior ministry, and various paramilitaries was scrapped amid an initiative to buy the locally-produced Rudra instead.[22]

Variants

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Helina fired from a HAL Rudra

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.[23] Utility roles of Defence Services suited for high altitude operations.
  • Mark IV: This version has a French Nexter 20 mm turret gun, Belgian 70 mm rockets, and MBDA air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, such as the Helina anti-tank missile.[24][25] Armed variant for Attack, Close Air Support and High altitude operations.

Operators

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 India

Specifications

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HAL/Turbomeca Shakti engine

Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft,[30] HAL[31]

General characteristics

  • Crew: Two pilots
  • Capacity: 12 passengers (14 passengers in high density seating)
  • Length: 15.87 m (52 ft 1 in)
  • Width: 3.15 m (10 ft 4 in)
  • Height: 4.98 m (16 ft 4 in)
  • Gross weight: 4,445 kg (9,800 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 5,800 kg (12,787 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 1,055 kg (2,326 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × HAL/Turbomeca Shakti-1H turboshaft, 1,068 kW (1,432 shp) each
  • Main rotor diameter: 13.2 m (43 ft 4 in)
  • Main rotor area: 136.85 m2 (1,473.0 sq ft)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 280 km/h (175 mph, 151 kn)
  • Cruise speed: 245 km/h (153 mph, 132 kn)
  • Never exceed speed: 292 km/h (182 mph, 157 kn)
  • Range: 590 km (368 mi, 318 nmi)
  • Ferry range: 630 km (394 mi, 340 nmi)
  • Endurance: 3.8 hours
  • Service ceiling: 6,100 m (20,000 ft) [32]
  • Rate of climb: 10.33 m/s (2,033 ft/min)
  • Disk loading: 40.19 kg/m2 (8.23 lb/sq ft)

Armament

Avionics

  • 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 AB IDAS-3 self-protection suite
  • BOP-L ECM dispenser

See also

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Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

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Citations

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  1. ^ "Rotary Wing". Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Retrieved 9 October 2021.
  2. ^ Rudra
  3. ^ "HAL Rudra (ALH WSI) Attack Helicopter".
  4. ^ "Year-End Review – 2010 DRDO". Press Information Bureau. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  5. ^ a b c "Certified and ready, Indian Army to receive 1st weaponised Dhruv". SP's Land Forces. 28 January 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2014.
  6. ^ "Indigenous combat copter takes to skies". The Times of India. 24 May 2010. Archived from the original on 11 April 2016. Retrieved 22 August 2011.
  7. ^ "Army to soon get indigenous weaponised chopper Advanced Light Helicopter 'Rudra'". The Times of India. 5 September 2011. Archived from the original on 9 October 2017.
  8. ^ a b Standing Committee of Defence 2007, p. 45.
  9. ^ a b "India developing Agni VI". The Statesman. 8 February 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  10. ^ "Armed Dhruv" (PDF). Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  11. ^ "Weaponised version of Dhruv makes maiden flight". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 17 August 2007. Archived from the original on 10 November 2012.
  12. ^ "Indian Army to Induct Weaponized Advanced Light Helicopter "Rudra" Soon". Defence News. Archived from the original on 11 May 2012. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  13. ^ "Navy keen on weaponised Dhruv". The Hindu. 11 February 2013. Retrieved 19 May 2014.
  14. ^ Standing Committee of Defence 2007, p. 46.
  15. ^ "Electronic Warfare self-protection suites ordered for 'Dhruv'". vijainder.sawfnews.com. Archived from the original on 14 June 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  16. ^ "HAL Receives IOC for ALH Rudra". Defense-Aerospace.com. 4 February 2013. Archived from the original on 1 February 2020. Retrieved 5 February 2013.
  17. ^ "AERO INDIA: HAL Rudra makes air show debut". Flight International. 7 February 2013.
  18. ^ Shukla, Ajai (7 February 2013). "Growing indigenous presence at air show". business-standard.com. Retrieved 6 February 2015.
  19. ^ "Indian Army inducts 'Rudras' into its Air Wing". Archived from the original on 4 March 2017.
  20. ^ a b "India to enhance military flying in Northeast". Deccan Herald. 24 July 2017. Retrieved 25 December 2019.
  21. ^ Adhikari, Hitesh (27 October 2021). "Rudra or LCH or Both?". delhidefencereview.com.
  22. ^ Bedi, Rahul (28 April 2022). "India scraps Russian helicopter buy and looks at more Rudras". shephardmedia.com.
  23. ^ "ALH touches 20,000 feet and Cheetal 23,000". Indiastrategic.in. Archived from the original on 7 October 2011. Retrieved 13 December 2012.
  24. ^ "HAL Dhruv product page". Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
  25. ^ "HAL Rudra product page". Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
  26. ^ "About 50 Rudra Attack Helicopters To Be Acquired By The Indian Air Force". 16 April 2022. Archived from the original on 29 May 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  27. ^ Peri, Dinakar (26 June 2021). "Despite shortages, Army Aviation raises tempo in operations along LAC". thehindu.com.
  28. ^ "Army Chief says LCH good for high altitude; Army to procure 95 of them". Financialexpress. 2023-02-15. Retrieved 2023-06-01.
  29. ^ "Indigenous LUH Set to Replace Aging Cheetah and Chetak Fleet". Financialexpress. 2023-10-25. Retrieved 2024-09-23.
  30. ^ Jackson, Paul; Peacock, Lindsay; Bushell, Susan; Willis, David; Winchester, Jim, eds. (2016–2017). "India". IHS Jane's All the World's Aircraft: Development & Production. Couldson. p. 308. ISBN 978-0710631770.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link)
  31. ^ "DHRUV". Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Retrieved 22 February 2019.
  32. ^ Luthra, Gulshan; Rai, Ranjit (September 2011). "IAF: ALH touches 20,000 feet and Cheetal 23,000". India Strategic. Archived from the original on 2011-10-07. Retrieved 2012-07-31.
  33. ^ "Proud moment for us, says MBDA which supplied anti-ship missiles for INS Khanderi". The Times of India. PTI. 28 September 2019. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
  34. ^ Bedi, Rahul. "Aero India 2019: Thales to supply rocket launchers for HAL combat helos". Jane's Defence Weekly. No. 21 February 2019. Archived from the original on 22 February 2019.
  35. ^ "Annual Report 2022-23" (PDF). Ministry of Defence. Government of India. Retrieved 30 March 2024.

Bibliography

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