HAL receives Chilean RFP for the Dhruv ALH
24 May 2007

Bangalore: Indian aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) from Chile for the indigenously developed Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) next month. The Chilean Air Force has forwarded the RFP for the 5.5 tonne, twin-engine, new generation helicopter, which has already entered service with the Indian armed forces.

According to HAL officials, the Chilean Air Force has a requirement for between four to six helicopters. They also indicated that HAL may sign a contract with neighbouring South American country, Bolivia, for two Dhruv's.

The RFP has been issued by Chile after HAL recently received a co-validation certificate from Chile's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC). The ALH's compliance with requirements, as specified by the aviation regulations in Chile, was confirmed only after detailed review of technical documents and test flights on the Dhruv.

HAL has undertaken extensive demonstrations of the ALH, a multi-mission helicopter, in Chilean terrain, which has great resemblance to India's own sub-continental geography. Chile also has a dry volcanic sand plateau, high mountains, a long seacoast and mountainous features with arctic conditions. The Dhruv, designed to operate in hot and cold conditions, has excelled in similar operations in India and successfully met all requirements of the Chilean Air Force.

In Chile, HAL conducted demonstrations of the Dhruv with advanced cockpit features, electronic warfare suites and surveillance pods. In all, four Dhruv choppers were involved in demonstrations of a wide range of applications, clocking a total 107 hours. The Dhruv operated at the highest altitudes, in desert conditions, carried out ship-deck landings, search and rescue missions as well as long distance ferry flights.

According to HAL officials, the manufacturer would be in a position to supply Dhruv's to other countries only after fulfilling the requirements of the Indian defence forces. Normally such orders were met within a time framework of 12 to 18 months, HAL officials said.

As part of a collaborative approach, a local Chilean firm, ENAER will also be participating in HAL's Dhruv manufacturing programme by adding local content to the chopper. HAL had offered to transfer capabilities to ENAER for providing in-country maintenance support for the Dhruv.

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