Its official - Rudra Gets IOC - Finally

JAISWAL

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Tarmak007 -- A bold blog on Indian defence: Rudra to receive IOC officially today | Begins validation flights ahead of Aero India, along with LCH
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Rudra, the weapon system integrated (WSI) Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), MK-IV, along with the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) began the flight validation exercises ahead of Aero India. In an interview to Express on Saturday, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd's (HAL's) Chief Test Pilot Wg Cdr (retd) Unni Pillai said that both choppers are in fine form and ready for the thrillers during the show.He said Rudra will be HAL's star performer during the show, with LCH leaving no effort to match up to the big brother.
"This air show is special to us because we are handing over two Rudras to the Army Aviation. Like last year, one LCH will be painted in a special camouflaged painting and put on duty at the static display area," Unni said.HAL is also gearing up for an in-house event on Sunday, when the Centre for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC) officially gives the green signal to Rudra in the form an Initial Operational Clearance (IOC).
"Rudra is a marvel and we have cleared all systems and weapons. The Army can now fly Rudra for all support roles during frontline operations. It is definitely a significant moment for Indian military programme," CEMILAC CEO Dr K Tamilmani told Express.
Barring the air-to-ground (A-2-G) missile, which the Services are yet to finalise, Rudra has a mix of weapons already cleared for operation. An air-to-air Mistral missile (MBDA, France) with 10 km range, 20 mm cannon (Nexter, France) and 700-mm rockets (Belgium make) form Rudra's killer menu.
"The Helina which was initially meant for Rudra as a A-2-G missile, is currently undergoing changes at DRDO facilities in Hyderabad. It will then have to be tested on ground and later onboard Rudra, before the Services accepts it. We are confident that Helina will make it finally to Rudra," Tamil Mani said.
HAL chairman R K Tyagi felt that Rudra will give the much-needed brand identity to the company during Aero India. "The Dhruv programme has gone through various good and bad phases. But, ultimately what emerges as a product matters, and Rudra is an answer. It has one of the world's finest features embedded onboard and we will be exhibiting the same to the customers during the show. The IOC is a morale-boost to team HAL," Tyagi said.
 
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JAISWAL

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HAL to hand over 2 Rudra choppers to Army at Aero India







Bangalore: The Indian Army will be handed over the first two weapon system integrated (WSI) version of Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH-Mk-IV) Rudra, during Aero India 2013. Confirming to Express on Thursday, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) chairman R K Tyagi said that Rudra will also be available for customer demonstration flights at show. "Rudra will definitely add more teeth to Indian Army and we will roll out more production units to the squadron,"Tyagi said. Express had earlier reported that around 70 Rudras will fly out of HAL to meet Army's initial requirements.
"In addition to the redundant flight critical systems, IR suppressor, armour panels, crashworthy features, self-sealing fuel tanks enhance the survivability of the helicopter in the battlefield environment," Tyagi said. Rudra can carry a mix of weapons, providing it with capability to search and destroy any target. Systems like electro-optic pod, helmet-mounted sight, fixed sight facilitating firing of the onboard weapons (20 mm turret gun, 70mm rockets and Air-to-Air missiles), makes Rudra an unforgiving machine.
He said Rudra's rigid rotors have extremely high agility and manoeuvrability. With its higher powered engine, the chopper can undertake missions up to altitudes of 6 km. "With such capabilities, Rudra is unmatched in the world, in its class," claims Tyagi.
Tyagi confirmed that HAL has plans to integrate additional new systems on Rudra, including Infra Red jammer, Data Link, obstacle avoidance system (for Army), wire cutter (for IAF) and NBC (Nuclear Biological and Chemical) sensors.
When asked about ALH Dhruv's (earlier version of Rudra) export status, Tyagi said three more countries have shown interest in these choppers. Over 130 Dhruv helicopters are in operation now, with Indian Army flying 110 and 12 with Indian civil operators. Ecuador, Nepal, Mauritius and Maldives also operate Dhruv choppers.

http://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rc...gYGwBQ&usg=AFQjCNGiMHJDDP4xV23YiSQkfcoIr6tNMA
 
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JBH22

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So a New Kargil takes place we have a chopper that can make its enemies meet their maker.

On a more serious note what about counter measures on this helicopter in the article it mentions IR suppressor plus if i check the picture I believe these are heat dissipators.
 

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