HAL Rudra (ALH-WSI)

History of HAL Rudra (ALH-WSI)

Long-term development of the multi-role helicopter HAL "Dhruv" (described in detail elsewhere on this page) culminated in the service's introduction to the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force in March 2002. To date (2018), India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has built more than 230 prototypes and the design has been used as two other notable branches of the basic series - HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and HAL "Rudra".

While the LCH represents a more traditional approach to a dedicated attack helicopter platform (two engines, layered two-person cockpit, "trailing" landing gear), Rudra follows more of the attack helicopter's design path for its ability to operate on the battlefield It serves as troop transport and other roles, mainly due to its utilitarian origins. Rudra made its first prototype flight on August 16, 2007 and entered service (with the Indian Army) in 2012.

In production since 2007.

Rudra's attack is partly achieved through the different coordination that the framework can handle. Outboard stubs can optionally be mounted on the side of the fuselage, allowing air-to-surface/air-to-air missiles, rockets, cannons and cannon pods to be carried. In addition, in the nose, a 20mm M621 automatic training cannon can be mounted on the "chin" bracket of the French Nexter THL-20 series powered turret.

Supported munitions include Helina anti-tank missiles (ATGM), French Mistral air-to-air missiles, torpedoes, depth charges, anti-ship missiles and 68mm/70mm unguided rocket pods.

The versatility of Rudra is evident in this weapon support - it allows all major Indian military branches to share a common airframe to perform their various required duties such as anti-ship/anti-submarine operations, search and rescue (SAR) and general reconnaissance, not to mention flight training, sea resupply and maritime patrols. The helicopter can also be used to support special operations forces for special missions, if required.

The design is powered by 2 HAL (Turbomeca, France) "Shakti" turboshaft engines, each producing 1,400 hp, powering a multi-blade configuration in the fuselage and stern. Alternatively, the airframe can accommodate a 1,000-horsepower Turbomeca TM333-2B2 turboshaft pack. Top speed is up to 180 mph, range is up to 515 miles, and service is capped at 20,000 feet.

The climb rate is 2,030 feet per minute.

Rudra was developed into two different operating models called Rudra Mk. The III and Rudra Mk. IV. The former is primarily equipped with full sensors and countermeasures for electronic warfare (EW), but lacks weapons support in general.

The latter carries the aforementioned weapon kit, which is a complete gunship platform.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

VARIANTS