Hindustan Aeronautics' Dhruv advanced light helicopter programme received a significant boost on 16 August, when two of the aircraft took to the air at the company's Bangalore production site powered by new Shakti turboshaft engines.
One of the aircraft also flew for the first time in an armed configuration including unguided rockets and what appear to be Stinger-type missiles, with this also carrying a dummy electro-optical/infrared targeting pod and showing installations for defensive aids sensors.
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Developed by Hindustan Aeronautics and France's Turbomeca from the twin-engine Dhruv's original TM333 2B2, the Shakti/Ardiden produces 30% more power than the aircraft's baseline engine. Scheduled to receive certification by January, the improved design will also power a new light combat helicopter in development for the Indian army, with HAL chairman Ashok Baweja expecting this to fly for the first time in August 2008.
The Dhruv has already entered service with India's air force, army, navy and coastguard, and more than 200 examples have been ordered for the services. HAL continues to seek its first military export buyer for the type.
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Source: FlightGlobal.com