'Dhruv to be inducted into Air Force by 2009'

Bangalore, Oct 25: Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) 'Dhruv' would be inducted into the Indian Air Force by December 2009, Defence Minister A K Antony said on Saturday, Oct 25.

Talking to newspersons after witnessing a spectacular air display of IJT, Dhruv, Saras and LCH here, he said currently weaponisation of Dhruv was going on and by December, would be completed. The indigenously designed 'Dhruv' was a multi-role new generation helicopter, which was developed by HAL, he added.

With Turbomeca TM333 2B2 or Shakti engine configuration, Dhruv provides superalative performance throughout its flight envelope.

It is excellently suited for high-speed cruise for rapid deployment and to maximise the area of operations.

Dhruv has already received certification from the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

UNI