Bengaluru, Dec 30: Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday flagged off the inaugural flight of the next-generation civil helicopter, Dhruv NG, designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to meet global civil aviation requirements.
Before take off, the Minister joined the pilot in the cockpit to experience the helicopter’s advanced systems and features firsthand. HAL officials described the Dhruv NG as a 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter engineered to handle the diverse and demanding Indian terrain while meeting international civil aviation standards.
The Dhruv NG boasts twin Shakti 1H1C engines, a civil-certified AS4 glass cockpit, and a modern avionics suite for enhanced situational awareness. Safety and reliability are reinforced with crashworthy seats, self-sealing fuel tanks, and a proven twin-engine configuration, while advanced vibration control ensures a smooth ride for VIP and medical transport.
Key specifications include a maximum take-off weight of 5,500 kg, top speed of 285 km/h, range of 630 km with a 20-minute reserve, service ceiling of 6,000 metres, and an internal payload capacity of 1,000 kg. The cabin, measuring 7.33 cubic metres, is highly configurable for VIP/VVIP transport, accommodating four to six passengers, or up to 14 in standard layout. For Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS), it can carry four stretchers along with a doctor and attendant.
The Dhruv NG is also capable of specialized roles such as offshore operations, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue (SAR), offering a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters.
HAL officials emphasized that the Dhruv NG marks a milestone in India’s indigenous rotary-wing capabilities, combining safety, performance, and passenger comfort for the global civil aviation market.