HAL Dhruv NG
HAL Dhruv NG (New Generation) is a 5.5-tonne light twin‑engine, multi‑role civil helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited as an advanced derivative of the Dhruv platform. It is designed to operate in India’s demanding terrain while also meeting stringent global civil aviation requirements for safety, comfort and performance.
Dhruv NG completed its maiden flight in Bengaluru on 30 December 2025, marking HAL’s formal entry of the Dhruv family into the civil and export helicopter market. The type is positioned as a cost‑effective, indigenous alternative to imported light twin‑engine helicopters in the 5–6 tonne class.
HAL Dhruv NG Helicopter
Key Features of HAL Dhruv NG
- Role & category: Light, twin‑engine, multi‑role civil helicopter derived from the Dhruv Mk‑III platform.
- Passenger capacity: Up to 14 passengers plus crew in typical civil configuration.
- Engines: Twin indigenous Shakti 1H1C turboshaft engines with higher power ratings and in‑country maintenance support.
- Cockpit & avionics: Civil‑certified glass cockpit (AS4 compliant) with modern avionics suite for superior situational awareness and reduced pilot workload.
- Ride quality: Advanced vibration‑control systems for smoother ride and enhanced passenger comfort.
- Safety: Crashworthy seats, self‑sealing fuel tanks and twin‑engine redundancy to improve survivability and reliability.
- Operations: Capable of day‑night, all‑weather operations over hot‑and‑high terrain typical of Indian conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter |
Dhruv NG Data |
| Maximum take-off weight |
5,500 kg |
| Type |
Light twin-engine, multi-role civil helicopter |
| Engines |
2 × Shakti 1H1C turboshaft engines |
| Maximum speed |
≈ 285 km/h |
| Range |
≈ 630 km with 20-minute reserve |
| Endurance |
About 3 hours 40 minutes |
| Service ceiling |
Up to 6,000 m |
| Passengers |
Up to 14 passengers |
| Internal payload |
Around 1,000 kg internal payload capacity |
Dhruv NG Helicopter Roles and Applications
Dhruv NG is optimised as a versatile civil platform and can be configured for multiple roles:
- VIP and corporate transport
- Scheduled and chartered passenger operations
- HEMS / air ambulance and medical evacuation
- Law enforcement and internal security missions
- Disaster relief and search‑and‑rescue (SAR) tasks
- Utility and logistics support in remote or high‑altitude regions
FAQs on HAL Dhruv NG