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As a matter of principle, HAL would not
like to speculate on the causes of the incident based on the media
reports available in public domain. The HAL team, which was already
in Ecuador providing maintenance support, is assisting the
Ecuadorian Air Force in its investigations. In addition, a three
member team of senior specialists including HAL’s Chief Test Pilot
is reaching Ecuador to provide all necessary assistance in the
investigation.
Dhruv helicopter has been designed for excellent handling qualities
and crash worthiness and manufactured with advanced technologies.
The helicopter has several safety features such as twin engines,
dual flight control, redundancy in critical systems, self sealing
fuel tanks, modern fire protection devices and a structure designed
to ensure crashworthiness. These features ensure safety of crew and
occupants.
Dhruv has been extensively flight tested throughout its flight
envelope by highly experienced HAL test pilots & has been evaluated
by Customer pilots from IAF/Army prior to certification by Military
& civil regulatory authorities. After certification, Dhruv has flown
nearly 39,000 Hrs as a fleet, with more than 80 Dhruvs flown by
various users. These flights were all flown carrying out difficult
missions such as high altitude operations in Siachen glacier in
extremely inhospitable weather conditions, Search & Rescue in all
terrains, flood relief and casualty evacuation. As many as seven
lead helicopters have flown close to 1000 Hrs each safely in similar
missions.
DHRUV’s capability has been amply demonstrated in several
challenging terrains and missions. The role of DHRUV in the relief
missions in post Tsunami operations and during Gujarat floods and
the high altitude rescue at Pin Parbati Pass stand testimony to
DHRUV’s versatility of operations. “Sarang” – the Aerobatic Display
team of Indian Air Force has displayed DHRUV’s capabilities in
several international air shows.
Ecuadorian pilots have undergone extensive flying training on DHRUV
at HAL’s facilities and had expressed happiness with the handling
qualities , advanced avionics and safety features of Dhruv during
interactions with HAL instructors who flew training missions with
them in India and Ecuador,
Ecuadorian Air Force has successfully carried out several missions
in their DHRUVs in their difficult terrains and has logged 860
hours. It appears from the reported statements attributed to the top
officials of the Ecuadorian Air force that the helicopter may have
been maneuvered excessively. The built in safety features have
ensured that both the pilots walked away to safety without any major
injuries.
HAL is committed to provide products of high quality & value to its
customers backed up by professional and dedicated service.
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