HAL Rudra

The HAL Rudra (Devanagari: रुद्र, "The God Of The Tempest") aka ALH-WSI is an armed version of HAL Dhruv. Rudra is equipped with Forward Looking Infra Red and Thermal Imaging Sights Interface, a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rocket pods, Anti-tank guided missiles and Air-to-Air Missiles.

Design and development


ALH-WSI underwent integration trial for armament and electro-optical systems and a final round of weapon firing trials in September 2011, which included testing of the 20-mm turret gun. The 70 mm rockets and MBDA Mistral air-to-air missiles were tested in November 2011. The helicopter exceeded the payload and performance requirements at the height of 6 km. It has integrated sensors, weapons and electronic warfare suite. It uses an upgraded version of the glass cockpit used in the Mk-III. The sensors include stabilised day and night cameras, infrared imaging as well as laser ranging and designation. It has an Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) from SAAB, with electronic warfare self-protection which is fully integrated into the glass cockpit. On-board self-defence systems include radar & missile detectors, IR jammer, chaff and flare dispensers. The helicopter can be used in both unarmed and armed roles that include reconnaissance, troop transport, anti-tank warfare and close air support.



Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) was expected by late 2012 and deliveries of production helicopters were to start by 2013. In September 2012, ground tests for the first production ALH Mk-IV were completed. The ALH Mk-IV featured a turret gun, rockets, air-to-air missiles and can carry air-to-ground missiles like the anti-tank helicopter-launched Nag. HAL was awarded with a combined order of 76 Rudras for the Indian army, the primary customer, and the Indian air force. It was reportedly that the weapons platforms and avionics of HAL Rudra and the under-development Light Combat Helicopter would be the same.

On 4 February 2013, the HAL Rudra Mk-IV achieved initial operational clearance. The first 2 Rudras was handed over to the army by HAL during Aero India 2013.

Variants
Rudra, or ALH-WSI (Weapon Systems Integrated) has two main versions.
 * Mark III: This version has Electronic Warfare, countermeasures, sensors and targeting systems installed, but does not feature weapons.
 * Mark IV: This version is to have a French Nexter 20 mm turret gun, Belgian 70 mm rockets, and MBDA air to air and air to ground missiles, such as the anti-tank Helina missile. All these systems have been tested individually.

Operators
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 * Army Aviation Corps, Indian Army plans to acquire at least 60 Rudra helicopters. The first 20 Rudras are to be inducted in mid-2013 after they pass initial operational clearance.The first 2 Rudras were handed over to the army by DRDO during Aero India 2013.
 * Indian Air Force has ordered 16 Rudras.