Dhruv NG helicopter
Context
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) successfully conducted the maiden flight of the Dhruv New Generation (NG) helicopter.
The flight took place at HAL’s Helicopter Division, Bengaluru.
This marks HAL’s formal entry into the civil helicopter market.
The event signifies a major step towards self-reliance in civil aviation.
Dhruv NG helicopter: Key features
Category: Light, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter
Weight class: 5.5-tonne
Design and manufacture: Fully indigenous
Operational capability:
Designed for diverse and challenging Indian terrains
Suitable for multi-role civil operations
Positioned as a key platform for India’s expanding civil helicopter market.
Certification milestone
HAL received DGCA certification for indigenous manufacturing of the Shakti civil engine.
This is:
The first aero engine certified by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation for indigenous production.
Achieved with:
Participation of Safran (engine technology partner)
Close coordination with DGCA
Represents a major leap in critical aviation technology self-reliance.
Prelims practice MCQs
Q. The Dhruv NG helicopter recently seen in the news is manufactured by:
a) Bharat Electronics Limited
b) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
c) Pawan Hans Limited
d) Tata Advanced Systems
Answer: b
Explanation:
The Dhruv NG is designed and manufactured by HAL, marking its entry into the civil helicopter market.
Q. The Dhruv NG helicopter belongs to which of the following categories?
a) Heavy lift, single-engine helicopter
b) Medium transport helicopter
c) Light, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter
d) Unmanned rotary-wing platform
Answer: c
Explanation:
Dhruv NG is a 5.5-tonne light, twin-engine, multi-role helicopter.
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Shakti civil engine:
It is the first aero engine certified by DGCA for indigenous production.
Its certification involved collaboration with Safran.
It is meant exclusively for military aircraft.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: a
Explanation:
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. The engine is for civil aviation, not exclusively military.