NewKerala.com

HAL's DHRUV-NG: India's Next-Gen Civil Helicopter Takes Flight in Bengaluru

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the next-generation DHRUV-NG civil helicopter at HAL in Bengaluru. The 5.5-tonne, twin-engine helicopter is engineered to meet demanding Indian terrain and global civil aviation standards with enhanced safety and passenger comfort. It features a modern glass cockpit, advanced vibration control, and can carry up to 14 passengers at speeds of 285 km/h. HAL positions the DHRUV-NG as a cost-effective, indigenous alternative to imported helicopters, offering a complete manufacturing and maintenance solution.

Key Points: HAL DHRUV-NG Civil Helicopter Inaugurated in Bengaluru

  • 5.5-tonne twin-engine design
  • Civil-certified Glass Cockpit
  • 14-passenger capacity
  • Cost-effective alternative to imports
2 min read

Union Civil Aviation Minister inaugurates DHRUV-NG in Bengaluru

Union Minister inaugurates HAL's indigenous DHRUV-NG, a 5.5-tonne multi-role civil helicopter designed for safety, comfort, and global market demands.

"a milestone in indigenous rotary-wing capability - Hindustan Aeronautics Limited"

Bengaluru, December 30

Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday inaugurated DHRUV-NG, the next-generation civil helicopter, at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited in Bengaluru.

HAL Chairman & Managing Director Dr DK Sunil was also present on the occasion.

Naidu also flagged off the inaugural flight of the Advanced Light Helicopter, DHRUV-NG, a civil variant of the indigenous helicopter showcased by HAL at the 2025 Aero India show.

According to HAL, the DHRUV-NG is a 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter engineered to master the diverse and demanding requirements of the Indian terrain. It is specifically upgraded to meet the rigorous demands of the global civil aviation market.

It has been designed for enhanced safety, performance, and passenger comfort. The helicopter represents a milestone in indigenous rotary-wing capability.

The DHRUV-NG is equipped with twin Shakti 1H1C engines, delivering higher power ratings and enabling internal maintenance in India.

HAL said it features a civil-certified Glass Cockpit compliant with AS4 requirements and a modern avionics suite for superior situational awareness.

It features advanced vibration-control systems that ensure a smooth ride, tailored for VIP and medical transport.

According to HAL, the maximum take-off weight of DHRUV-NG is 5,500 kg, and it reaches a maximum speed of 285 km/h.

It has a maximum capacity to carry 14 passengers.

The Dhruv Civil NG is a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters. HAL offers a "One-Stop Solution" for manufacturing, maintenance, and upgrades. Operational support is provided through integrated logistics models, including Power-By-Hour (PBH) and Performance-Based Logistics (PBL), ensuring high fleet serviceability.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who travels frequently to remote project sites, the focus on passenger comfort and vibration control is very welcome. A cost-effective, indigenous option could really boost regional connectivity. Hope the certification and rollout are swift.
A
Aditya G
Make in India success story! The Shakti engines and glass cockpit sound impressive. But my only question is about the actual delivery timeline and cost for operators. We've seen delays before. Hope HAL sticks to its promises this time.
P
Priyanka N
This is exactly what we need to reduce dependence on foreign aircraft. The Power-By-Hour support model is a smart move for fleet maintenance. Can't wait to see these helicopters serving in air ambulance roles across the country. Jai Hind!
R
Robert G
The specs look competitive on paper – 285 km/h and 14 passengers is decent. The real test will be in the global market. If HAL can provide reliable after-sales support internationally, this could be a significant export product.
N
Nisha Z
Good step, but I hope the focus isn't only on VIP transport. We need these helicopters most for disaster management and reaching remote villages during floods or landslides. Hope state governments prioritize this for public service, not just luxury travel.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50