After a period of uncertainty and safety concerns, India's aviation sector has received a boost with the clearance of both the HAL Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and the HAL Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) for flying operations. This decision follows a thorough investigation into a recent crash involving the ALH Dhruv, which led to the temporary grounding of the entire fleet.
The grounding of the ALH Dhruv fleet, comprising over 330 helicopters across the Indian Army, Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard, had a significant impact on military operations. The ALH Dhruv serves as a crucial workhorse for various tasks, including transport, utility, reconnaissance, and medical evacuation. The grounding forced the armed forces to rely on aging Cheetah and Chetak helicopters, as well as private aviation firms, to maintain logistical support in remote areas.
The investigation into the January 5 crash of an Indian Coast Guard ALH Mark-III in Porbandar, Gujarat, which resulted in the loss of all three crew members, pointed to a fracture in the swashplate, a critical component in the helicopter's transmission system. Subsequent inspections revealed cracks in the swashplates of some Navy and Coast Guard ALHs, particularly those operating in saline maritime environments, raising concerns about material fatigue or environmental stress.
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the manufacturer of the ALH Dhruv, partnered with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru to conduct fatigue testing on the swashplate's aluminum alloy. The Defect Investigation Committee (DIC) submitted its final report in May, leading to the clearance of the Army and Air Force versions of the ALH Dhruv for operations. A time-bound plan for the resumption of operations has been worked out with the users, incorporating revised maintenance protocols to ensure operational safety and service continuity.
While the Army and Air Force ALH Dhruv fleets have been cleared, the Navy and Coast Guard ALHs remain grounded. HAL is working with the Indian Coast Guard to examine their maintenance practices and determine whether any changes are required. The grounding of the ALH Dhruv fleet has prompted criticism towards HAL, with Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh expressing a lack of confidence in the company and urging them to alleviate safety worries.
In related news, the HAL Prachand Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) has also been cleared for flying operations. The Prachand is an indigenously designed and manufactured multi-role light attack helicopter, developed by HAL to meet the specific requirements of the Indian Armed Forces, especially for high-altitude operations. The impetus for the LCH came from the 1999 Kargil War, which highlighted the need for a dedicated armed rotorcraft capable of operating unrestricted in high-altitude environments.
The Prachand has undergone extensive testing and has been inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army's Aviation Corps (AAC). The LCH is the only attack helicopter in the world that can land and take off at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), making it ideal for operations in the Siachen glacier and Eastern Ladakh.
The Defence Ministry has signed contracts with HAL for the procurement of 156 additional Prachand LCHs, with 90 earmarked for the Indian Army and 66 for the Indian Air Force. These helicopters will be equipped with advanced weapons systems, including air-to-air missiles, turret guns, and rockets, enhancing the combat capabilities of the armed forces. The clearance of both the ALH Dhruv and the Prachand LCH for flying operations marks a significant step forward for India's aviation sector.
