HAL Stresses Importance of Maintenance Post Army's ALH Safety Directives
On Sunday, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) emphasized the necessity of adhering to strict maintenance protocols to ensure the airworthiness of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv fleet. This announcement followed the Indian Army's directive for a comprehensive safety inspection across all units due to a defect discovered in the helicopter's tail drive shaft (TDS).
HAL has deployed expert teams to collaborate with the Army in identifying the root cause of this defect. The issue involves a crucial transmission component responsible for transferring engine power to the tail rotor, which is vital for the helicopter's directional stability.
The state-owned aircraft manufacturer clarified, "One-Time Check (OTC) is a standard maintenance procedure issued after detecting a defect, specifically concerning the TDS. HAL stresses that adhering to maintenance guidelines is essential for maintaining the helicopters' airworthiness and insists on the strict implementation of all maintenance directives."
This statement followed a report by the Hindustan Times on September 6, which revealed that the Army noted damage to an ALH's TDS during flight operations on September 4. Consequently, the Directorate General of Electronics & Mechanical Engineers (Aviation) instructed all ALH units in the Army, Air Force, and Navy to conduct thorough fleet inspections.
The combined fleet for the Army and Air Force comprises approximately 300 ALHs, while the Navy and Coast Guard operate about 30. Across India, over 330 Dhruv helicopters are utilized by the armed forces and security agencies, with a cumulative total of over 4.5 lakh flying hours logged in various environments, from the Himalayas to coastal regions.
The fleet had only recently resumed operations in May after being grounded for several months due to a fatal Coast Guard crash in Porbandar on January 5, which claimed the lives of two pilots and a diver. That incident was linked to a swashplate fracture, and the investigation into the defect's root cause is ongoing.
The Dhruv model has faced ongoing safety concerns, having been involved in about 15 accidents over the past five years. Following multiple groundings, the helicopters underwent a design review and control system upgrades during 2023–24.
Despite these challenges, HAL defended the ALH as one of its premier indigenized platforms. "The ALH has performed extensively in demanding terrains and continues to be a reliable choice for high-risk rescue missions, including the Army’s current flood relief operations," the statement elaborated.
The current checks are proceeding alongside separate investigations by HAL into the defects affecting the Navy and Coast Guard’s ALHs, which have been grounded for more than eight months following the January incident.
