HAL Rudra: Difference between revisions
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#[[air-to-ground missiles]] (e.g. the anti-tank [[Nag (missile)#Advanced variants|Helicopter launched nag]] missile). |
#[[air-to-ground missiles]] (e.g. the anti-tank [[Nag (missile)#Advanced variants|Helicopter launched nag]] missile). |
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HAL has been awarded with an order of 76 ALH Mk-IV from [[Indian army]] (primary customer) and [[Indian air force]] combined. Reportedly, the weapons platforms and avionics of HAL Rudra and [[HAL LCH|Light Combat Helicopter]] are the same.<ref name="IDRW">{{cite news|title=ALH Mk-IV " Rudra " completes Development test , First Production ALH Mk-IV Ready|url=http://idrw.org/?p=14371|accessdate=29 September 2012|newspaper=IDRW NEWS NETWORK|date=September 22, 2012}}</ref> |
HAL has been awarded with an order of 76 ALH Mk-IV from [[Indian army]] (primary customer) and [[Indian air force]] combined. Reportedly, the weapons platforms and avionics of HAL Rudra and [[HAL LCH|Light Combat Helicopter]] are the same.<ref name="IDRW">{{cite news|title=ALH Mk-IV " Rudra " completes Development test , First Production ALH Mk-IV Ready|url=http://idrw.org/?p=14371|accessdate=29 September 2012|newspaper=IDRW NEWS NETWORK|date=September 22, 2012}}</ref> |
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On 4 February 2013, the HAL Rudra Mk-IV achieved initial operational clearance.<ref>[http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/142334/india%E2%80%99s-armed-helicopter-wins-ioc.html HAL Receives IOC for ALH Rudra] - Defense-Aerospace.com, February 4, 2013</ref> |
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==Role== |
==Role== |
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Revision as of 19:38, 5 February 2013
| HAL Rudra | |
|---|---|
| File:Weaponised Dhruv.JPG | |
| Dhruv-WSI (Rudra) helicopter of the Indian Air Force | |
| Role | Attack helicopter |
| National origin | India |
| Manufacturer | Hindustan Aeronautics Limited |
| First flight | 16 August 2007 |
| Introduction | 2012 |
| Status | Approved for induction |
| Primary users | Indian Army Indian Air Force Indian Navy |
| Developed from | HAL Dhruv |
The HAL Rudra (Devanagari: रुद्र, "The God Of The Tempest") aka ALH-WSI is an armed version of HAL Dhruv. Rudra is equipped with Forward Looking Infra Red 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
The version is equipped with SAAB supplied Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) with Electronic Warfare self-protection which is fully integrated into the modern glass cockpit.[2]
ALH-WSI has undergone integration trial for armament and electro-optical systems.
A final round of weapon firing trials is scheduled in September 2011, starting with its 20-mm turret gun, followed by trials of its 70mm rockets and MBDA Mistral air-to-air missiles in November.[3]
Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) is expected by late 2012 with deliveries of the production helicopters starting on or before 2013.[citation needed]
As per the initial orders, close to 70 Rudras are to be supplied to Indian armed forces. “It has comfortably-exceeded the payload and performance requirements at 6 km height. It has integrated sensors, weapons and electronic warfare suite using an upgraded version of the glass cockpit used in the Mk-III. The cockpit avionics is a state-of-the-art technology when it comes to helicopters. The sensors include stabilised day and night cameras, Infra-Red imaging, as well as laser ranging and designation,” sources said.
HAL Rudra can carry self-defence systems including radar & missile detectors, IR jammer, chaff & flare dispensers.[4]
Status
According to HAL’s latest press release, ground tests for the first production ALH Mk-IV, also known as “Rudra” have been completed. ALH Mk-IV will feature the following
- turret gun,
- rockets,
- air-to-air missiles,
- air-to-ground missiles (e.g. the anti-tank Helicopter launched nag missile).
HAL has been awarded with an order of 76 ALH Mk-IV from Indian army (primary customer) and Indian air force combined. Reportedly, the weapons platforms and avionics of HAL Rudra and Light Combat Helicopter are the same.[5]
On 4 February 2013, the HAL Rudra Mk-IV achieved initial operational clearance.[6]
Role
HAL Rudra with self-defence and protection suite has the capacity for several armed roles.[4]
Unarmed roles
- Heliborne assault
- Logistic support
- Reconnaissance
- Air observation post
- Casualty evacuation
- Training
Armed roles
- Anti-tank warfare (ATW)
- Close air support
- Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
- Anti-Surface Vessel (ASV)
Variants
Rudra, or ALH-WSI (Weapon Systems Integrated) has two main versions.
- Mark III
This has Electronic Warfare, countermeasures, sensors and targeting systems installed, but does not feature weapons.[7][8] - Mark IV
This would 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.[7]
All these systems have been tested individually.
Operators
Army Aviation Corps of India is going to induct at least 60 Rudra choppers. First 20 Rudra helicopters are to be inducted in mid 2013 after they pass initial operational clearance.[9]
References
- ^ "YEAR-END REVIEW – 2010 DRDO". Press Information Bureau. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
- ^ "Electronic Warfare self-protection suites ordered for 'Dhruv'". Retrieved 31 July 2012.
- ^ "Indian Army to Induct Weaponized Advanced Light Helicopter "Rudra" Soon". Defence News. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
- ^ a b "Armed dhruv" (PDF). HAL. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
- ^ "ALH Mk-IV " Rudra " completes Development test , First Production ALH Mk-IV Ready". IDRW NEWS NETWORK. September 22, 2012. Retrieved 29 September 2012.
- ^ HAL Receives IOC for ALH Rudra - Defense-Aerospace.com, February 4, 2013
- ^ a b Hirschberg 2011, p. 51.
- ^ "ALH touches 20,000 feet and Cheetal 23,000". Indiastrategic.in. Retrieved 2012-12-13.
- ^ "Army gets attack helicopters as India eyes China threat". NDTV.com. Retrieved 2012-12-13.