India’s military aviation boasts several impressive helicopters, including the Dhruv and the Prachand. Both aircraft play an important role in various missions, but are designed for different capabilities and purposes.
The Dhruv, a modern light helicopter, is known for its versatility and is used in a wide range of operations, from search and rescue to transport.
The Prachand, on the other hand, also known as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), is specifically designed for combat situations and features improved weapons and armor.
Understanding the differences between these two helicopters helps one better appreciate their unique strengths and roles in the Indian Armed Forces.
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Comparison between HAL Dhruv and HAL Prachand helicopters
length:The HAL Dhruv has a length of 15.87 metres (52 feet), slightly longer than the HAL Prachand which has a length of 15.8 metres (51 feet 10 inches).
span
The Dhruv is designed with no wingspan as it is a multi-purpose helicopter and is not equipped with wings. The Prachand has a wingspan of 4.60 metres (15 feet).
Height
The HAL Dhruv is taller at 4.98 metres (16 feet) with skids, compared to the HAL Prachand’s height of 4.70 metres (15 feet 5 inches).
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Engine
The Dhruv is powered by two HAL/Turbomeca Shakti-1H turboshaft engines, each generating 1,068 kW (1,432 hp). The Prachand is equipped with two HAL/Turbomeca Shakti-1H1 turboshaft engines, each generating 1,032 kW (1,384 hp).
Fuel tank
The HAL Dhruv has a fuel capacity of 1,055 kg (2,326 lb), while the Prachand has a larger fuel capacity of 1,800 kg (4,740 lb), enabling it to fly longer distances or operate for longer periods of time.
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reach
The Dhruv Mk III has a range of 630 kilometers (390 miles, 340 nautical miles). The Prachand has a slightly longer range of 700 kilometers (435 miles, 378 nautical miles) with weapons.
LCH and Dhruv helicopter surveillance camera that assists pilots in monitoring ground activities and provides other flight assistance to aircraft.
The sensor enables the camera to deliver sharp images from deep darkness to the transition phase to twilight. It is designed for a variety of nighttime and extremely low-light shooting scenarios.
The Indian Army’s light attack helicopter (LCH) Prachand recently fired 20mm turret guns and 70mm rockets day and night for the first time.
The helicopter is equipped with advanced stealth features, heavy armour and a strong night attack capability. It can even operate in Siachen, the highest battlefield in the world.
With its robust design, advanced avionics and versatile operational capabilities, the Dhruv has gained both domestic and international recognition and represents the next generation of helicopters in the 5.5 tonne weight class.
This modern aircraft, a development of the Mk 1 model, is ideally suited to meeting the challenges of low visibility during night search and rescue operations. More than 400 Dhruvs have been produced for the domestic and export markets by January 2024.
With a 5.8-tonne class, the Prachand has a top speed of 288 km/h. To further enhance its combat power, the helicopter is expected to be equipped with Helina missiles, while the Air Force variant will be equipped with the Dhruvastra.
The Indian defence arsenal now has two attack helicopters, of which the Apache and the Prachand are formidable weapons. The Apache is already equipped with a range of attack missiles and rockets, while the Prachand’s capabilities are constantly being developed.
