PHOTOS: SUDHAKAR JAIN | THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS | SHOOT COURTESY: P SOUNDARA RAJAN, MD (HELICOPTERS), HAL | LOCATION: HAL HELICOPTER DIVISION
By Anantha Krishnan M
Express News Service
Bangalore: Rudra, the weapon system integrated (WSI) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), MK-IV, along with the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) began the flight validation exercises ahead of Aero India. In an interview to Express on Saturday, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd’s (HAL’s) Chief Test Pilot Wg Cdr (retd) Unni Pillai said that both choppers are in fine form and ready for the thrillers during the show.He said Rudra will be HAL’s star performer during the show, with LCH leaving no effort to match up to the big brother.
“This air show is special to us because we are handing over two Rudras to the Army Aviation. Like last year, one LCH will be painted in a special camouflaged painting and put on duty at the static display area,” Unni said.HAL is also gearing up for an in-house event on Sunday, when the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) officially gives the green signal to Rudra in the form an Initial Operational Clearance (IOC).
“Rudra is a marvel and we have cleared all systems and weapons. The Army can now fly Rudra for all support roles during frontline operations. It is definitely a significant moment for Indian military programme,” CEMILAC CEO Dr K Tamilmani told Express.
Barring the air-to-ground (A-2-G) missile, which the Services are yet to finalise, Rudra has 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 700-mm rockets (Belgium make) form Rudra’s killer menu.
“The Helina which was initially meant for Rudra as a A-2-G missile, is currently undergoing changes at DRDO facilities in Hyderabad. It will then have to be tested on ground and later onboard Rudra, before the Services accepts it. We are confident that Helina will make it finally to Rudra,” Tamil Mani said.
HAL chairman R K Tyagi felt that Rudra will give the much-needed brand identity to the company during Aero India. “The Dhruv programme has gone through various good and bad phases. But, ultimately what emerges as a product matters, and Rudra is an answer. It has one of the world’s finest features embedded onboard and we will be exhibiting the same to the customers during the show. The IOC is a morale-boost to team HAL,” Tyagi said.
Tomorrow: Lines, pilots fear
Copyright@The New Indian Express
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