HAL Rudra

{{Infobox aircraft begin

| name = Rudra

| image = File:Advanced Light Helicopter ALH Rudra (cropped).jpg

| caption = HAL Rudra of Indian Army in flight

}}{{Infobox aircraft type

| type = Armed helicopter

| national origin = India

| manufacturer = Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

| designer =

| design group = Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre{{cite news |title = Rotary Wing |url = https://hal-india.co.in/Rotary%20Wing/M__326 |access-date = 9 October 2021 |agency = Hindustan Aeronautics Limited}}

| first flight = 16 August 2007

| introduced = 2012

| retired =

| status = In service

| primary user = Indian Army

| more users = Indian Air Force

| produced = 2007–present

| number built = 91 (75 on order)

| developed from = HAL Dhruv

| variants with their own articles =

}}

The HAL Rudra ({{Lit|Roaring}})[https://sanskritdictionary.com/?q=rudra Rudra] also known as ALH-WSI, is an armed version of the HAL Dhruv utility helicopter which is designed and produced by the Indian aerospace manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

The Rudra was developed in parallel to the HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), a more extensive attack helicopter developed from the Dhruv. Extensive changes from the Dhruv were avoided to produce the Rudra with the express purpose of providing an indigenous armed helicopter faster than the LCH programme could do so. The Mark III variant features the sensors and mission equipment, but lacked weaponry; the Rudra Mark IV is provisioned with various armaments. The Rudra is equipped with forward looking infrared (FLIR), day-and-night optical cameras, and a Thermal Imaging Sights Interface; armed models feature a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rocket pods, anti-tank guided missiles and air-to-air missiles.{{cite web | url=https://www.army-technology.com/projects/hal-rudra-attack-helicopter-india/ | title=HAL Rudra (ALH WSI) Attack Helicopter }}{{cite news |title = Year-End Review – 2010 DRDO |url = http://www.pib.nic.in/newsite/erelease.aspx?relid=68740 |access-date = 31 July 2012 |newspaper = Press Information Bureau}} Work on the programme started in December 1998, and the prototype Rudra conducted its maiden flight on 16 August 2007.

Between 2011 and 2013, extensive flight testing of the Rudra took place, during which it was proved to have largely fulfilled or surpassed set requirements. Its primary customer is the Indian Army, who took delivery of the first pair of Rudra helicopters in February 2013, the same month in which the type attained Initial Operational Clearance (IOC). In addition to the Indian Army, both the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy have taken interest in the type.

Design and development

Amid the development of the more comprehensive Light Combat Helicopter, an attack-orientated derivative of the HAL Dhruv utility helicopter, Indian Army officials concluded that there was value in procuring an armed model of the Dhruv.{{cite news |url= https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Indigenous-combat-copter-takes-to-skies/articleshow/5966664.cms |title= Indigenous combat copter takes to skies |date= 24 May 2010 |access-date= 22 August 2011 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160411224457/http://hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=63 |archive-date= 11 April 2016 |work= The Times of India |url-status= live }} By intentionally avoiding any non-essential major modification to the original airframe, this armed Dhruv could be developed and delivered relatively quickly. The concept was initially referred to as the Dhruv-WSI (Weapons System Integrated).{{cite news |url= http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/army-to-soon-get-indigenous-weaponised-chopper-advanced-light-helicopter-rudra/articleshow/9857201.cms |title= Army to soon get indigenous weaponised chopper Advanced Light Helicopter 'Rudra' |work= The Times of India |date= 5 September 2011 |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20171009040717/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics/nation/army-to-soon-get-indigenous-weaponised-chopper-advanced-light-helicopter-rudra/articleshow/9857201.cms |archive-date= 9 October 2017}} Thereafter, the name Rudra was adopted.{{cite web |title = Certified and ready, Indian Army to receive 1st weaponised Dhruv |url = http://www.spslandforces.com/exclusive/?id=55&h=Certified-and-ready-Indian-Army-to-receive-1st-weaponised-Dhruv |publisher = SP's Land Forces |date = 28 January 2013 |access-date = 19 May 2014}} Development of the Rudra was officially sanctioned during December 1998.Standing Committee of Defence 2007, p. 45.

File:Rudra attack helicopter.jpg

The Rudra features integrated sensors, weapons and an electronic warfare suite; it is also furnished with an upgraded version of the glass cockpit used in the HAL Dhruv Mk III. These sensors include stabilised day and night cameras, infrared imaging, as well as laser ranging and designation.{{cite news |title = India developing Agni VI |url = http://www.thestatesman.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=442704&catid=36 |access-date = 18 February 2013 |newspaper = The Statesman |date = 8 February 2013}} It has an Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) from Saab AB, with an electronic warfare self-protection system that is fully integrated into the glass cockpit. Onboard self-defence systems include radar and missile detectors, IR jammer, chaff and flare dispensers. The helicopter can be used in both unarmed and armed roles that include aerial reconnaissance, troop transport, anti-tank warfare and close air support.{{cite news |title = Armed Dhruv |url = http://www.hal-india.com/helicopter/armed%20role.pdf |access-date = 31 July 2012 |publisher = Hindustan Aeronautics Limited}}

File:HAL_Rudra_firing_rockets_during_Yudh_Abhyas_exercise.jpg rockets at Exercise Yudh Abhyas]]

During July 2005, the project was rescoped to include integration of additional systems along with the integration of a higher powered model of the HAL/Turbomeca Shakti turboshaft engine. Post-revision, the cost of the Rudra programme was reported to be Rs 710.29 Cr in April 2007; at this point, the scheduled completion date was stated to be July 2008. On 16 August 2007, the prototype Rudra conducted its maiden flight.{{cite news |url = http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/17/stories/2007081762311700.htm |title = Weaponised version of Dhruv makes maiden flight |date = 17 August 2007 |location = Chennai, India |url-status = dead |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121110125818/http://www.hindu.com/2007/08/17/stories/2007081762311700.htm |work = The Hindu |archive-date = 10 November 2012}}

In September 2011, the Rudra underwent integration trials of its armaments and electro-optical systems, which included a final round of weapon firing trials, such as of its 20 mm turret gun. Both 70 mm rockets and MBDA Mistral air-to-air missiles were also test fired during November 2011.{{cite news |title = Indian Army to Induct Weaponized Advanced Light Helicopter "Rudra" Soon |url = http://www.defencenow.com/news/291/indian-army-to-induct-weaponized-advanced-light-helicopter-rudra-soon.html |access-date = 31 July 2012 |newspaper = Defence News |archive-date = 11 May 2012 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120511031702/http://defencenow.com/news/291/indian-army-to-induct-weaponized-advanced-light-helicopter-rudra-soon.html |url-status = dead}} The helicopter reportedly exceeded both the payload and performance requirements while flying at an altitude of 6 km.

File:HAL Rudra Mark 4 WSI.jpg

During September 2012, ground tests were completed using the first production Rudra. It was armed with a turret gun, rockets, air-to-air missiles and could carry air-to-ground missiles like the anti-tank helicopter-launched Nag. Accordingly, HAL was awarded with a combined order for 76 Rudras, these were destined for the Indian Army, who were the type's primary customer, as well as the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Between 2012 and 2013, the Rudra underwent a series of flight trials on behalf of the Indian Navy; it was found that the helicopter was suitable for conducting coastal surveillance operations. The service was reportedly impressed with the capability of the Rudra's sensors to track ships at up to 14 km away. The image quality of the sensors was described as good enough to even read the name of ships at those ranges, and the Navy was keen to order at least 20 helicopters for its own purposes.{{cite news |title = Navy keen on weaponised Dhruv |url = http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/navy-keen-on-weaponised-dhruv/article4401783.ece |access-date = 19 May 2014 |newspaper = The Hindu |date = 11 February 2013}} Prior to this round of testing, the Rudra had been evaluated for the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission, weapons tests had included the firing of both torpedoes and depth charges, which had reportedly been completed successfully.Standing Committee of Defence 2007, p. 46.

Operational history

File:Rudra Vayushakti 2024.jpg

The Rudra was expected to attained Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) by late 2012, while deliveries of production helicopters were set to commence by 2013.{{cite news |title = Electronic Warfare self-protection suites ordered for 'Dhruv' |url = http://vijainder.sawfnews.com/news/55672.aspx |publisher = vijainder.sawfnews.com |access-date = 31 July 2012 |archive-date = 14 June 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220614101151/http://vijainder.sawfnews.com/news/55672.aspx |url-status = usurped }} On 4 February 2013, at the Aero India trade show, it was announced that the HAL Rudra Mk IV had achieved IOC,{{cite web |url = http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/142334/india%E2%80%99s-armed-helicopter-wins-ioc.html |title = HAL Receives IOC for ALH Rudra |publisher = Defense-Aerospace.com |date = 4 February 2013 |access-date = 5 February 2013 |archive-date = 1 February 2020 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20200201124415/http://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/release/142334/india%25E2%2580%2599s-armed-helicopter-wins-ioc.html |url-status = dead }}{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/aero-india-hal-rudra-makes-air-show-debut/108706.article |title = AERO INDIA: HAL Rudra makes air show debut |publisher = Flight International |date = 7 February 2013}} and that a pair of helicopters had been handed over to the Indian Army.{{cite web |url = http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/growing-indigenous-presence-at-air-show-113020700275_1.html |title = Growing indigenous presence at air show |first = Ajai |last = Shukla |publisher = business-standard.com |date = 7 February 2013 |access-date = 6 February 2015}} The Indian Army continued to take deliveries of the type; by 2017, 22 armed Rudras had reportedly been delivered to the service.{{cite web |url = http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories2087_Indian_Army_inducts_Rudras_Air_wing.htm |title = Indian Army inducts 'Rudras' into its Air Wing |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170304065203/http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories2087_Indian_Army_inducts_Rudras_Air_wing.htm |archive-date = 4 March 2017}}{{Cite web |url = https://www.deccanherald.com/content/624373/india-enhance-military-flying-northeast.html |title = India to enhance military flying in Northeast |date = 24 July 2017 |website = Deccan Herald |language = en |access-date = 25 December 2019}}

File:HAL_Rudra_partake_in_Gagan_Strike_exercise_2022_12.jpg during Exercise Gagan Strike]]

The Indian Air Force has also received eight armed Rudras by 2017. By 2021, while the more comprehensive LCH was now available, there was still reportedly demand to continue ordering additional Rudras on account of its comparatively cheaper unit cost.{{cite web |url = https://delhidefencereview.com/2021/10/27/rudra-or-lch-or-both/ |title = Rudra or LCH or Both? |publisher = delhidefencereview.com |first = Hitesh |last = Adhikari |date = 27 October 2021}} In April 2022, a planned $1.1 billion procurement of 48 Russian Mil Mi-17V-5 helicopters intended for the Indian Air Force (IAF), federal interior ministry, and various paramilitaries was scrapped amid an initiative to buy the locally-produced Rudra instead.{{cite web |url = https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/air-warfare/india-scraps-russian-helicopter-buy-and-looks-at-m/ |title = India scraps Russian helicopter buy and looks at more Rudras |publisher = shephardmedia.com |first = Rahul |last = Bedi |date = 28 April 2022}}

Variants

File:Helina_ATGM-Rudra_Helicopter.webm fired from a HAL Rudra]]

Rudra, or ALH-WSI (Weapon Systems Integrated) has two main versions.

Mark III: This version has Electronic Warfare, countermeasures, sensors and targeting systems installed, but does not feature weapons.{{cite web |url = http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1200_ALH_touches_20000_feet.htm |title = ALH touches 20,000 feet and Cheetal 23,000 |publisher = Indiastrategic.in |access-date = 13 December 2012 |archive-date = 7 October 2011 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111007051047/http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1200_ALH_touches_20000_feet.htm |url-status = dead }} Utility roles of Defence Services suited for high altitude operations.
Mark IV: This version has a French Nexter 20 mm turret gun, Belgian 70 mm rockets, and MBDA air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, such as the Helina anti-tank missile.{{Cite web |title = HAL Dhruv product page |url = https://hal-india.co.in/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=24 |publisher = Hindustan Aeronautics Limited }}{{Cite web |title = HAL Rudra product page |url = https://hal-india.co.in/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=93 |publisher = Hindustan Aeronautics Limited}} Armed variant for Attack, Close Air Support and High altitude operations.

Operators

;{{IND}}

Indian Air Force – 16 helicopters are in service. 50 more on order.{{cite web |url = https://defenceaviationpost.com/about-50-rudra-attack-helicopters-to-be-acquired-by-the-indian-air-force/ |title = About 50 Rudra Attack Helicopters To Be Acquired By The Indian Air Force |date = 16 April 2022 |language = en |access-date = 16 April 2022 |archive-date = 29 May 2022 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220529082245/https://defenceaviationpost.com/about-50-rudra-attack-helicopters-to-be-acquired-by-the-indian-air-force/ |url-status = usurped }}
Indian Army – 75 helicopters are in service as of June 2021.{{cite web |url = https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/despite-shortages-army-aviation-raises-tempo-in-operations-along-lac/article34988379.ece |title = Despite shortages, Army Aviation raises tempo in operations along LAC |publisher = thehindu.com |first = Dinakar |last = Peri |date = 26 June 2021}} 25 more on order.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-15 |title=Army Chief says LCH good for high altitude; Army to procure 95 of them |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-army-chief-says-lch-good-for-high-altitude-army-to-procure-95-of-them-2982095/ |access-date=2023-06-01 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-10-25 |title=Indigenous LUH Set to Replace Aging Cheetah and Chetak Fleet |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-indigenous-luh-set-to-replace-aging-cheetah-and-chetak-fleet-3285693/ |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=Financialexpress |language=en}}

Specifications

File:Turbomeca Ardiden P1220827.jpg engine|alt=]]

{{Aircraft specs

|ref = Jane's All the World's Aircraft,{{cite book |editor1-last = Jackson |editor1-first = Paul |editor2-last = Peacock |editor2-first = Lindsay |editor3-last = Bushell |editor3-first = Susan |editor4-last = Willis |editor4-first = David |editor5-last = Winchester |editor5-first = Jim |title = IHS Jane's All the World's Aircraft: Development & Production |date = 2016–2017 |location = Couldson |isbn = 978-0710631770 |page = 308 |chapter = India}} HAL{{cite web |title = DHRUV |url = http://www.hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=24 |website = Hindustan Aeronautics Limited |access-date = 22 February 2019}}

|prime units? = met

|genhide=

|crew = Two pilots

|capacity = 12 passengers (14 passengers in high density seating)

|length m = 15.87

|length ft =

|length in =

|length note =

|width m = 3.15

|width ft =

|width in =

|width note =

|height m = 4.98

|height ft =

|height in =

|height note =

|airfoil =

|empty weight kg =

|empty weight lb =

|empty weight note =

|gross weight kg = 4,445

|gross weight lb =

|gross weight note =

|max takeoff weight kg = 5,800

|max takeoff weight lb =

|max takeoff weight note =

|fuel capacity = {{cvt|1055|kg|lb}}

|more general =

|eng1 number = 2

|eng1 name = HAL/Turbomeca Shakti-1H

|eng1 type = turboshaft

|eng1 kw =

|eng1 hp =

|eng1 shp = 1,432

|eng1 note =

|power original =

|thrust original =

|more power =

|rot number = 1

|rot dia m = 13.2

|rot dia ft =

|rot dia in =

|rot area sqm = 136.85

|rot area sqft =

|rot area note =

|perfhide =

|max speed kmh = 280

|max speed mph = 175

|max speed kts = 151

|max speed note =

|max speed mach =

|cruise speed kmh = 245

|cruise speed mph = 153

|cruise speed kts = 132

|cruise speed note =

|never exceed speed kmh = 292

|never exceed speed mph = 182

|never exceed speed kts = 157

|never exceed speed note =

|range km = 590

|range miles = 368

|range nmi = 318

|range note =

|combat range km =

|combat range miles =

|combat range nmi =

|combat range note =

|ferry range km = 630

|ferry range miles = 394

|ferry range nmi = 340

|ferry range note =

|endurance = 3.8 hours

|ceiling m = 6,100

|ceiling ft = 20,000

|ceiling note={{cite web |last1 = Luthra |first1 = Gulshan |last2 = Rai |first2 = Ranjit |url = http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1200_ALH_touches_20000_feet.htm |title = IAF: ALH touches 20,000 feet and Cheetal 23,000 |website = India Strategic |date = September 2011 |access-date = 2012-07-31 |archive-date = 2011-10-07 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111007051047/http://www.indiastrategic.in/topstories1200_ALH_touches_20000_feet.htm |url-status = dead }}

|climb rate ms = 10.33

|climb rate ftmin =

|climb rate note =

|time to altitude =

|lift to drag =

|wing loading kg/m2 =

|wing loading lb/sqft =

|wing loading note =

|disk loading kg/m2 = 40.19

|disk loading lb/sqft =

|disk loading note =

|fuel consumption kg/km =

|fuel consumption lb/mi =

|power/mass =

|thrust/weight =

|more performance =

|armament =

1 × 20 mm M621 cannon on Nexter THL-20 turret{{cite news |title=HAL orders 10 helicopter turrets from Nexter |url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/hal-orders-10-helicopter-turrets-from-nexter |access-date=1 April 2025 |publisher=European Defence Review |date=21 June 2023}}
4 × Mistral{{cite news |title = Proud moment for us, says MBDA which supplied anti-ship missiles for INS Khanderi |url = https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/proud-moment-for-us-says-mbda-which-supplied-anti-ship-missiles-for-ins-khanderi/articleshow/71352098.cms |access-date = 24 October 2021 |agency = PTI |work = The Times of India |date = 28 September 2019}}
48 × FZ275 LGR{{cite news |last1 = Bedi |first1 = Rahul |title = Aero India 2019: Thales to supply rocket launchers for HAL combat helos |url = https://www.janes.com/article/86756/aero-india-2019-thales-to-supply-rocket-launchers-for-hal-combat-helos |work = Jane's Defence Weekly |issue = 21 February 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190222124917/https://www.janes.com/article/86756/aero-india-2019-thales-to-supply-rocket-launchers-for-hal-combat-helos |archive-date = 22 February 2019 |url-status = live}}
8 × Dhruvastra{{cite web |title=Annual Report 2022-23 |url=https://mod.gov.in/sites/default/files/DEFENCE%20AR%202022-23%20LOW.pdf |website=Ministry of Defence |publisher=Government of India |access-date=30 March 2024}} (User trials completed, induction soon.)

|avionics =

Elbit CoMPASS optoelectronic suite for reconnaissance and target acquisition
RWS-300 radar warning system or LWS-310 laser warning system
MAW-300 missile approach warning system
Saab AB IDAS-3 self-protection suite
BOP-L ECM dispenser

}}

References

=Citations=

=Bibliography=

{{cite web |author = Standing Committee on Defence |url = http://164.100.24.208/ls/CommitteeR/Defence/17threport.pdf |title = In-Depth Study and Critical Review of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) |publisher = Ministry of Defence |date = April 2007}}