Before taking off from HAL here, the Minister joined the pilot in the cockpit to gain a first-hand insight into the helicopter’s advanced systems and functions.
According to HAL officials, the Dhruv NG, an advanced, light twin-engine, 5.5 tonne multi-role helicopter, designed to tackle the diverse and demanding requirements of the Indian terrain, has been specifically upgraded to meet the stringent requirements of the global civil aviation market.
The helicopter, which represents a milestone in the capabilities of indigenous rotary wings, has been designed for improved safety, performance and passenger comfort.
The helicopter is equipped with two Shakti 1H1C engines, offering higher power and the benefit of in-house maintenance capabilities in India.
It features a world-class civilian certified glass cockpit, meeting AS4 requirements, and a modern avionics suite for superior situational awareness, they said.
In terms of safety and reliability, the Dhruv NG features crash-resistant seats, self-sealing fuel tanks and a proven twin-engine configuration for high redundancy.
In terms of ride quality, officials said the helicopter has advanced vibration control systems to ensure a smooth ride, tailor-made for VIP and medical transport.
Citing its features, the officials said the maximum take-off weight of the next-generation civilian helicopter is 5,500 kg, with a maximum speed of about 285 km/h, a range of about 630 km (with a reserve of 20 minutes), an endurance of about three hours and 40 minutes, a service ceiling of about 6,000 meters (suitable for high altitudes) and an internal payload of about 1,000 kg.
The Dhruv NG features a highly configurable cabin (7.33 cubic meters), which is adaptable to various civilian tasks. For VIP/VVIP transport there is a luxury layout for four to six passengers, with a maximum capacity of 14 passengers.
As for the helicopter emergency medical service (air ambulance) role, the helicopter is equipped with a layout for four stretchers, along with a doctor and an attendant.
The specialized roles include offshore operations, law enforcement and disaster response (SAR).
The Dhruv Civil NG is described by HAL as a cost-effective, high-performance alternative to imported light twin-engine helicopters.
Published on December 30, 2025
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