New Delhi: India’s aviation landscape is poised for a significant leap as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is scheduled to conduct the first flight of the Dhruv-NG (Next Generation)— an advanced civilian version of the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv — on Tuesday from its Bengaluru facility.
The Dhruv-NG is seen as an important move towards a self-reliant India in aerospace technology, as it has been designed with modern features to handle many civilian tasks, such as medical evacuations, disaster relief, and support for offshore activities.
HAL officials believe this maiden flight heralds the company’s entry into the expanding civil helicopter market and strengthens India’s credentials as a global helicopter manufacturer.
The Dhruv-NG represents an upgraded platform over its earlier military counterpart, the ALH Dhruv — a helicopter that has served the Indian Armed Forces for decades and been deployed across varied terrains. Improvements in the NG variant include an advanced glass cockpit, reduced vibration technologies, enhanced safety features such as crashworthy seating, and self-sealing fuel tanks, all designed to deliver smoother and safer flights.
Following the inaugural flight, HAL will embark on a rigorous testing and certification programme, aiming to position the Dhruv-NG quickly for both military and civilian roles. Its versatility is expected to support missions ranging from emergency medical response in remote regions to regional air connectivity, offering a significant boost to India’s helicopter ecosystem.
Industry experts say this move not only aligns with India’s longstanding push to reduce dependence on imported rotorcraft but also enhances domestic manufacturing capabilities in high-technology aviation sectors.
As the aviation community watches closely, Tuesday’s flight could well mark the beginning of a new era in India’s civil aviation story.