HAL conducts extensive tests on Dhruv ALH to fix lingering flaws

Plane maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has carried out extensive tests on the Dhruv advanced light helicopters in a maritime setting in an attempt to pinpoint and fix a lingering flaw in helicopters operated by the navy and coast guard that have been grounded for more than seven months following a fatal crash in Gujarat, officials aware of the matter said on Wednesday.

- Rahul Singh

The tests, carried out off the Visakhapatnam coast for two weeks, saw the ALH operate from warships in different weather conditions, the officials said, asking not to be named.

“HAL has collected a lot of data during these trials. The data is being analysed at the Rotary Wing Research & Design Centre and the findings will be submitted to the defect investigation committee (DIC) by August-end,” said one of the officials cited above.

The military's ALH fleet was grounded following a fatal coast guard crash at Porbandar in Gujarat on January 5, but the army and air force choppers were declared airworthy after comprehensive safety checks on May 1.