HAL Dhruv ALH

The advanced light helicopter tailored for modern military missions

Overview

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited India 2002–Present $7.3 million

The HAL Dhruv ALH is the military-focused Advanced Light Helicopter variant of the Dhruv family. Developed for Indian armed forces requirements, it supports transport, reconnaissance, and armed missions. The aircraft builds on the core Dhruv design with mission-specific adaptations.

Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × Shakti
Engine type
Turboshaft
Power
2 × 1,200 shp · 895 kW
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
14
Crew
—
Cabin width
6 ft 5 in  ·  1.95 m
Cabin height
4 ft 8 in  ·  1.42 m
Cabin length
8 ft 10 in  ·  2.68 m
Exterior length
52 ft 1 in  ·  15.87 m
Tail height
—
Fuselage diameter
—
Wing span
43 ft 4 in  ·  13.20 m
Baggage volume
76 ft³  ·  2.2 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
12,100 lb  ·  5,500 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
6,600 lb  ·  3,000 kg
Fuel capacity
370 gal · 1,400 L · 1,100 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
130 kt  ·  150 mph  ·  241 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
447 nm  ·  510 mi  ·  830 km
Fuel burn
1.39 nm/gal  ·  0.68 km/L
Ceiling
21,680 ft  ·  6,600 m
Rate of climb
1,771 ft/min  ·  9 m/s
Takeoff distance
—
Landing distance
—
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Operational Context

HAL Dhruv ALH — advanced light military helicopter

The Advanced Light Helicopter program sought to provide India with a domestically produced multirole rotorcraft. Following its first flight in 1992 and entry into service in the 2000s, the ALH variant became standard across multiple Indian military branches. It incorporates structural strengthening and mission avionics suited for operational use.

Equipped with twin Shakti turboshaft engines delivering roughly 1,400 shaft horsepower each, the ALH cruises near 140 knots (260 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is approximately 12,100 pounds (5,500 kg). The helicopter’s composite rotor blades enhance performance at high altitude.

The ALH has operated in diverse environments, including high-altitude Himalayan regions and maritime deployments. Armed derivatives such as the Rudra add weapon systems for battlefield support. The platform continues to evolve as part of India’s expanding rotary-wing fleet.