HAL Rudra

HAL Rudra

Type: helicopter

Domain: air

Country of Origin: India

Manufacturer: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

Overview

Armed variant of the HAL Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, providing India with an indigenous rotary-wing close air support and anti-armour capability. The Rudra (Sanskrit for "Storm") retains the Dhruv's utility helicopter airframe and twin-engine configuration (Shakti turboshafts) while adding weapons pylons, an undernose gun turret, armoured cockpit, and military avionics. Armed with a 20mm M621 cannon turret (400 rounds), 4 hardpoints for 70mm rocket pods, anti-tank guided missiles (Helina, Mistral AAM for self-defence), and forward-looking infrared (FLIR) turret for target acquisition. The Rudra bridges the gap between utility helicopters and dedicated attack helicopters, providing light-attack capability for counter-insurgency, mountain warfare, and tactical support operations. Maximum takeoff weight of 5,500 kg with service ceiling of 6,500 metres. Over 70 delivered to the Indian Army and Indian Air Force with production ongoing.

Technical Specifications

crew2
typeArmed Light Utility Helicopter
engine2x Shakti turboshaft
armament20mm turret gun; 70mm rockets; Mistral AAMs; Helina ATGMs
based_onALH Dhruv platform
max_speed~245 km/h
manufacturerHAL, India

Operators

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