Rudra, the weapon system integrated (WSI) Advanced Light Helicopter(ALH), achieved Intial Operational Clearance(IOC) following extensive...
Rudra, the weapon system integrated (WSI) Advanced Light Helicopter(ALH), achieved Intial Operational Clearance(IOC) following extensive trials.
Rudra was certified by Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification(CEMILAC).
Rudra is the armed version of HAL Dhruv multi role helicopter built by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd(HAL).
Rudra is armed with a mix of weapons already cleared for operation. An air-to-air Mistral missile (MBDA, France) with 10 km range, 20 mm cannon (Nexter, France) and 48, 70-mm rockets (Belgium make) consists its payload.
It will be also armed with the Helina air-to-ground missile with a range of 7km, which is currently being developed by DRDO. Helina is the air launched version of Nag Anti Tank Guided Missile(ATGM) developed by DRDO.
The multi-mission helicopter is equipped with forward-looking infrared ( FLIR ) and thermal imaging sights interface, integrated defensive aids suite ( IDAS ) with electronic warfare self-protection, anti-tank guided missiles and automatic flight control system to improve the aerial firepower capabilities.
Electro-optical pod and helmet-pointing systems, have been integrated to augment target-aiming capabilities.
Avionics and weapons, are sourced from Israel, France, Belgium, South Africa, Germany, Italy, USA and India.
It has a ceiling range of 6km. Nearly 23 km of cables had been laid inside the helicopter.
The helicopter has undergone hundreds of hours of flight and ground testing.
It is powered by two HAL/Turbomeca Shakti Turboshaft engines rated at 1400 shp.
