India's first indigenous weaponised helicopter Rudra handed over to army

The first indigenously built Weapon System Integrated (WSI) helicopter Rudra (ALH WSI Mk-IV) was handed over to the Indian Army by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Friday at the ongoing Aero India 2013.

RK Tyagi, chairman, HAL, handed over the helicopter to Deputy Chief of Army Staff (DCOAS), Lt Gen Narendra Singh. Tyagi said the handing over of the Rudra was a symbol of defence preparedness.

Lt Gen Narendra Singh said Rudra is a modern helicopter with state-of-the-art weaponry. He said this combat platform will help Indian Army march ahead towards victory for the future battles fought, if any.

The Rudra is the Mk-IV variant of Advanced Light Helicopter. The helicopter is fitted with weapons, targeting systems, warning and counter measure systems and survivability features.

The Rudra is a weaponised platform catering to attack roles with self-defense capability.  The helicopter is fitted with three sighting systems i.e., electro-optic pod, helmet mounted sight and fixed sight. A 20-mm turret gun is fitted in the nose of the helicopter and the combination of 70-mm rockets, air-to-air missiles and anti-tank guided missiles can be fitted on the four weapon stations. The warning and counter measures include radar laser missile warning systems and flare chaff dispensers.

The helicopter has growth potential for additional systems like obstacle avoidance system, IR jammer, data link and others.