New Delhi: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Tuesday successfully conducted the inaugural flight of its Dhruv New Generation (NG) helicopter, marking the company’s formal entry into the civil aviation helicopter segment. The event was held at HAL’s Helicopter Division in Bengaluru and was flagged off by Union Minister for Civil Aviation Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu, in the presence of HAL Chairman and Managing Director D K Sunil, officials from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and representatives from Pawan Hans Ltd.
DGCA Certification and Indigenous Shakti Engine
During the ceremony, HAL also received DGCA certification for the indigenous Shakti civil engine, marking a historic milestone as the first aero engine to be certified for indigenous production in India. The certification underscores HAL’s capability to manufacture high-performance engines domestically, reducing reliance on imported components for civil aviation helicopters.
The company stated that the Dhruv NG helicopter is progressing towards full civil certification within the next three to four months, paving the way for commercial operations.
Features and Capabilities of Dhruv NG
The Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter designed for a range of civil applications. Key highlights include:
- Enhanced safety and performance features
- Designed for multi-role civil operations, including transportation, emergency response, and tourism
- Reduced dependency on imported helicopters, promoting self-reliance in India’s civil aviation sector
HAL’s entry into the civil aviation helicopter segment is expected to strengthen domestic capabilities in high-performance rotary-wing aircraft and support the government’s Make in India initiative for aerospace.
About Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)
HAL is a Navratna public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, and a leading aerospace and defence company. Established in 1940, HAL designs, develops, and manufactures aircraft, helicopters, aero engines, and related systems, playing a key role in strengthening India’s indigenous aerospace and defence capabilities.
