HAL Approaches Completion of Critical Safety Upgrades for Dhruv Helicopters

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is finalizing essential safety upgrades for the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet, addressing control rod flaws to enhance airworthiness.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is close to finishing a vital safety upgrade for its Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) fleet. This effort comes after several accidents in 2023 highlighted the need for improvements. The upgrade focuses on replacing faulty control rods with a more robust design to ensure better airworthiness.

The Dhruv helicopters, used by the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, have faced multiple groundings due to recurring issues with the booster control rods. These flaws have been linked to several accidents, raising serious concerns about the helicopters' safety.

Following a comprehensive design review, HAL has successfully replaced the collective control rods in all Dhruv helicopters. The ongoing replacement of the lateral and longitudinal control rods is expected to be completed by the end of June. The new control rods, made of steel instead of aluminum, are anticipated to significantly improve flight safety.

Control rods are crucial for the helicopter's maneuverability. Any failure in these components can lead to catastrophic outcomes, as seen in past incidents. The control assembly, comprising collective, pitch, and roll control rods, had previously failed, leading to multiple mishaps.

The Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) ordered a design review in April 2023 after a Navy ALH crashed into the Arabian Sea. An expert committee attributed the incident to a technical failure in the assembly of serrated washers within the booster control rods.

In the past five years, the Dhruv helicopter has been involved in at least 12 accidents. This upgrade marks a significant step towards addressing the ongoing issues and enhancing the safety of the pilots and crew operating these helicopters.

Air Marshal Anil Chopra (retd), former director general of the Centre for Air Power Studies, commented, "This issue is behind us now. Control rods made of steel will improve flight safety. Earlier, there were concerns about the metallurgy of control rods in the ALH gearboxes."

With these upgrades, HAL aims to restore confidence in the Dhruv ALH fleet, ensuring that these helicopters continue to serve the Indian Armed Forces effectively and safely.