India flight tests ALH with folding rotor blades
HAL has flown for the first time an ALH with folding rotor blades, which could prove a boon for the Indian Navy. (HAL)
A Dhruv helicopter fitted with two-segmented rotor blades, and a main rotor head in pre-cone configuration, has ‘recently’ made its maiden flight, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced on 30 June.
The flight occurred at HAL’s facility in Bengaluru. It followed earlier rotor track and balance runs, a ground resonance test and a clamped power ground run.
The folding rotor blades and pre-cone rotor head are designed to meet Indian Navy (IN) requirements where deck space on ships is at a premium. The system also improves the time between overhauls of the main gearbox.
The IN and Indian Coast Guard have
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
Peru cleared for possible $3.42 billion F-16 Block 70 buy
The potential foreign military sale covers 12 F-16 aircraft as well as related training and equipment support, the DSCA notice said.
-
DSEI 2025: UK’s new Air Chief Marshal outlines nuclear, space and IAMD as three key priorities for RAF
Aiming to field a more integrated, agile force, the military leader said in a keynote speech that focus on these core areas would be increased to help the RAF deter and meet challenges in the new threat landscape.
-
DSEI 2025: The fighter market shift to Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)
Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) capabilities is set to become a market differentiator for fighter aircraft, allowing 4.5-5th generation platforms to remain relevant to the battlefield.
-
Project Kuiper’s LEO network pioneers Space-as-a-Service
The Kuiper Network enables organizations to buy, rather than build, applications that serve mission needs at mission speed.
-
DSEI 2025: Helsing and Systematic join forces to revolutionise drone recce-strike missions
The partnership will integrate Helsing’s AI-powered systems with the Systematic SitaWare suite of C4ISR currently used by more than 50 nations, enabling faster data exchange between ISR UAVs and Helsing’s HX-2 loitering munitions.
-
Finland secures possible $1.07 billion AMRAAM deal with US State Department
The Nordic country is set to bolster its defence capabilities after its foreign military sales request for AIM-120D-3 advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles (AMRAAMs) was approved.