SPECIAL REPORT
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Coming of Age
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HAL would be the third largest producer of light military helicopters by 2020
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LCH.
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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) began deliveries of the Dhruv MK-3 to Indian Army Aviation units and the Indian Air Force last year. Work is also progressing on the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), both projects of high importance to the IAF and Army. According to Forecast International, HAL is projected to become the third largest manufacturer of light military helicopters between 2011-2020, with Eurocopter being the largest and Agusta Westland, becoming the second largest.
Advanced Light Helicopter
HAL began delivery of the Dhruv MK-3 with higher powered Shakti engine to the Indian Army and IAF last year. Further batches will be delivered this year. HAL has firm orders for 159 and sees a requirement for a minimum of 80 more. HAL is working on adding VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR), Distance measuring equipment (DME) and instrument landing system (ILS) to Dhruv. The VOR, DME and ILS are undergoing integration at present and slated to be available for operational use by end of this year.
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A few IAF and Ecuador Dhruv helicopters had already been incorporated with Standalone VOR, DME and ILS. An Active Vibration Control System (AVCS) has also been used to reduce vibration levels. Going forward, Dhruv will be fitted with a Helmet Pointing System (HPS), Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite with advanced Laser Warning (LWR) systems, Missile Warning (MWR) systems, Electro Optical (EO) pod and an Automatic Flare and Chaff Dispenser (FCD). SAAB Electronic Defence Systems has been chosen by HAL to integrate its IDAS/CIDAS system on Dhruv. The Dhruv Mk-3, glass cockpit features one of best contemporary helicopter cockpits, with an excellent Man Machine Interface (MMI). While the hardware and software for the glass cockpit were developed with foreign assistance, it has given HAL designers and test crew an invaluable insight into this vital area. The Mk-3 features an advanced glass cockpit with Integrated Standby Instrument System (ISIS).The Standby Engine Instrument (SEI) provides emergency engine information when all the Multi Function Displays (MFDs) go blank or the computer fails.
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