Flaws identified in ALH Dhruv, being fixed on priority: Officials

Flaws on the Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH), whose safety record has come under scrutiny after a string of accidents earlier this year, have been identified and are being fixed on priority to address flight safety issues, senior officials aware of the matter said on Wednesday.

- Rahul Singh

Some design and metallurgy issues were identified during investigations into the recent incidents involving the Indiamade helicopter, said one of the officials cited above, asking not to be named.

The army, air force, navy, and coast guard operate more than 330 ALHs. The helicopter was grounded, then cleared for flying, and again grounded between March and May after safety issues came into sharp focus in the backdrop of three accidents during this period.

The helicopters, designed and developed by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, are being cleared to fly in batches for urgent missions after comprehensive checks, said a second official, seeking anonymity.