Civil Aviation Minister flags off next-generation helicopter Dhruv NG

Union Minister Ram Mohan Naidu on Tuesday flagged off the inaugural flight of the next-generation civil helicopter Dhruv NG, designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, to meet the requirements of the civil aviation market. Before take-off from HAL Bengaluru, the minister joined the pilot in the cockpit to gain firsthand insight into the helicopter's advanced systems and features. The helicopter received civil certification from Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for its indigenous Shakti engine.

Minister Rammohan Naidu described it as a landmark moment when HAL is foraying into Civil Aviation sector. He said that the civil variant of Dhruv will give a big boost to Atmanirbharata in civil aviation sector. He said that Pawan Hans has indicated interest in acquiring Dhruv NG apart from BSF and Karnataka state Government. He also said the Government is taking initiative to promote regional connectivity through helicopters and HAL can play an important role in manufacturing civil helicopters within the country.

According to HAL officials, Dhruv NG, a sophisticated 5.5-tonne, light twin-engine, multi-role helicopter engineered to master the diverse and demanding requirements of the Indian terrain is specifically upgraded to meet the rigorous demands of the global civil aviation market.