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)
HAL’s latest efforts with segmented rotor blades could see the Dhruv helicopter return to favour in the Indian Navy.
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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)]()
Why Embraer’s C-390 Millennium trajectory continues to climb (updated 2026)
The medium airlift aircraft is swiftly becoming the top pick for an array of countries wishing to enhance their tactical transport capabilities.
-
![USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026]()
USAF’s T-7A Red Hawk programme progresses with low-rate production to start in 2026
The T-7A Red Hawk advanced trainer for the US Air Force reaching Milestone C is the first step towards production for the first batch of 14 aircraft, with training expected to start by 2028.
-
![Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story]()
Baykar’s Akinci: Local participation and export freedom drive $4.63 billion success story
The success of the Akinci drone stems from Turkey’s push for domestically produced components – which has led to fewer export restrictions – and from manufacturer Baykar’s willingness to coproduce the drone with customers’ domestic industries.
-
![Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030]()
Lithuania air focus: Majority of $235.98 million drone investment to be spent before 2030
Lithuania has committed significant funding towards expanding its UAV capabilities, with more than $54 million already spent and substantial additional investment planned through to 2029. Alongside domestic procurement, the country has also acquired various drones to support Ukraine.
-
![Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market]()
Japan’s Terra Drone expands Ukrainian ties to break into global defence market
Following its investment into WinnyLab, Terra Drone unveiled a new long-range fixed-wing addition to its interceptor drone portfolio as it seeks to bring combat-proven technology back to Japan and expand into global export markets.
