Aero India 2019: HAL showcases Naval Utility Helicopter

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) showcased the technology demonstrator of the Dhruv Mk III Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) with folding tail boom and main rotor blades, designated Naval Utility Helicopter (NUH).

The technology demonstrator of the folded NUH developed by HAL was shown at Aero India 2019.Photo by: IHS Markit / Akshara Parakala

The helicopter, primarily designed to meet the requirements of the Indian Coast Guard and Indian Navy for enhanced shipborne operations, was shown at the Aero India exhibition on 20 February. The helicopter will perform a range of mainly maritime missions, including search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (medevac), anti-piracy and anti-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, surveillance, and targeting.

The helicopter is in the final stages of development and is expected to take flight this year.