BENGALURU. State-owned aerospace and defence company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over first three Advanced Light Helicopters (ALHs) as part of the 22 ALH MK III contract to the Indian Army at the ongoing Aero India 2019 in Bengaluru on February 22.

HAL had entered into a contract with the Indian Army for 40 ALH (22 ALH Mk III and 18 Mk IV Rudra) in August 2017. Of the 22 helicopters, 19 helicopters have already been produced and would be progressively delivered.

The documents were handed over to Director General Army Aviation Lt Gen Kanwal Kumar by Chief Executive Officer, Helicopter Division GVS Bhaskar in the presence of Chairman and Managing Director, HAL R Madhavan. Officials from the Army, HAL, DGAQA and RCMA were also present on the occasion.

The Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv) is a multi-role, new generation helicopter in the 5.5-ton weight class, indigenously designed and developed by HAL. Powered by two Shakti engines, it provides superlative performance throughout its flight envelope.

It is suited for a high-speed cruise for rapid deployment and to maximise the area of operations. The basic helicopter is produced in skid version and wheeled version. In the wheeled version, options for fixed and retractable undercarriages are available.