India's HAL-Dhruv Helicopter's Design a HUGE Rip-off?

[ironman]

My Mistake. HAL Dhruv is a TOTAL rip-off of Kawasaki BK-117 AND EC-145.
(Which is a variant of The BK-117)
Oh and by the way, Dhruv doesn't look ANYTHING Like the Agusta A-109 and Bell-427.

For your information.. ALH project was launched with MBB as consultants.. All doubts cleared??..

 

[afriend]

Erm, not really. Both helicopters have a "conventional" design, but I can see plenty of obvious differences.

I think the next Indian helicopter should be designed like a flying-saucer in order to keep Pakistani fanboys from making allegations - or perhaps then they'll claim that the design was stolen from aliens!

That was seriously funny flint..!!!!

And It seems that people from both sides are having hard time appreciating each other achievements..!!!!!

 

[LCA]

Here is some information about Dhruv by user K prasad from BR.
He got this information fron AERO-INDIA 09

------------------------------------------------------------
AeroSeminar talk by Dr. Prasad Sampath, HAL Chief Designer of the Rotary Wing R&D Centre (RWR&D Centre).

Please forgive if a lot of this info was already in public... just recapping and adding in full, in case there are some new tidbits.

HAL Heli division started in 1970 in HAL Barrackpore (now is located in Bangalore only). It has first produced Alouettes and Lamas under license. It has since produced 347 Chetaks, 275 Cheetahs under license, of which 395 are in service now.

The breakup of active Helos are

Cheetah - 45 IAF + 127 Army = Total 172
Chetak - 87 IAF + 55 Army + 64 Navy + 17 Coast Guard = Total 223

The Cheetah was re-engined with the Turbomeca TM3332B in 2001, called the cheetal and set the world record of 25150 ft on Nov 04. Based on the success of that program, the Navy asked for reengining of the Chetaks, called Chetans.

Coming to the ALH, the project was launched with MBB as consultants. The design was initially a single engine, but later became a twin engine based on changed force requirements.

PV1 flew = August 1992.
Military certification = 2001
Civil Certification (DGCA) = 2002

The features of the ALH are:
- Multi-role, multi-misison
- All weather op
- FADEC control
- Hingeless main rotor and Bearingless tail rotor - the main rotor is the stiffest in existance today, which gives the ALH superb maneuverability and lot of lift, as the Sarangs demonstrate {{with teh LCH also sharing the rotor, imagine the possibilities}}

Hot Weather Trials - Jodhpur
Hot & Cold Weather Trials - Leh, Sarsawa, Manasbal

Ferry ranges of over 2000 km have been achieved (I guess this was with staging, but it demonstrates the Dhruv's long endurance and low maintenance capability):

Bangalore - leh = 2345 km
In South America, from Santiego, they travelled OVER 3000 km, over high altitudes, and across the mountainous terrain, with no glitches and faults. The South Americans were highly impressed.

Right now, the Dhruvs are in service with -

PV = 5 nos
Military = 74 nos = 40 Army + 22 AF + 8 IN
RNA (Nepal) = 3 nos
Ecuador = 2 nos (the remaining 5 were delivered in AI)
Civilian Operators = 6 nos

There are currently 5 tranches - PV, Mk1 to Mk4.

Mk4 is the WSI Dhruv.

PV -

- 5 nos in operation
- Conventional cockpit
- TM 333 2B1 engine (648 kW power)
- Vibration reduction using ARIS (Active Resonance Isolation System)

Mk 1

- 56 in service
- Conventional cockpit
- TM 333 2B2 engine (705 kW)

Mk2:

- Glass Cockpit (Basic)
- 17 in service
- TM 333 2B2 engine

- Mk 1 and Mk2 had both ARIS + FRAHM vibration reduction. FRAHM is an active vibration cancellation system, and was sourced from Lourds Corp, USA (I hope the spelling is correct - may be wrong though).
- Mk.2 onwards also had a vibration monitoring system, in order for the FRAHM to work. Mk2 had a Mk.1 VMS.

Mk3:

- Glass Cockpit (Advanced, with Israeli Avionics)
- 17 in service
- 3 more are planned for induction in the 08-09 period
- Shakti Engine (871 kW)

Prasad Sampath mentioned that one Dhruv was coming in directly from Leh to Bangalore to take part in the Air show, and would be flying down - another indicator of the ruggedness of the machine.

Mk4:

- This is the WSI Dhruv
- Has a full glass cockpit
- None in service yet, but 159 are planned for induction in the 09-10 period.
- Shakti engine.

- Mk 3 and WSI have an ARIS + AVCS vibration reduction

AVCS = Active Vibration Control System

It(AVCS) is an indigenously developed system, and is better than the FRAHM from US. It has been successfully trialled, and is now flight qualified.

Along with the AVCS, Mk3 and 4 have a new, upgraded Mk.2 VMS which is being currently tuned for flight operations.

The 2nd generation AVCS is almost done (I dont remember if it has been integrated already). The advantages over the 1st gen are:

- reduced wt from 80 kg to 55 kg
- Expandable
- fault tolerant
- Robust to EMI

It consists of
- Biaxial force generators (for the active cancellation) - 7 are used on the helo - #2 below the nose, and #7 close to the rotor.
- Sensors (Accelerometers)
- System Controller
- Wiring Harness
- Power supply.

The WSI Dhruv will have the following weapons suite:
- ATAM
- Rocket Pod
- 20 mm Nexter turret gun
- A2G missile
- ATGMs

As of now, the Gun and Rockets have been fired (a video was shown)... they were very worried that the gun would cause excess recoil and vibrations, but wonder of wonders, when the gun fired, there was almost zero recoil, and nothing was felt in the cockpit (the video also showed this, and the helo was completely steady).

Gun trials were conducted in Sep 08 in Nasik.
Rockets were fired at ITR Chandipur in Nov 08

Other systems include:
- Datalink (will be added)
- HPS (Helmet)
- An EO pod (Has been tested)
- EW suite (tested successfully)

As of now, it is clear that the non-WSI dhruv may end, since the forces have ordered large numbers of WSI dhruvs, and less Mk3 dhruvs. However, the Mk3 will definitely have foreign sales.

Asked about sales to Burma, he said there was no confirmation, and he wasn't aware of any such offer... got very worried if i was a journo or what.

Asked if they were looking for an mmW sensor, he said that that was not on their radars at the moment, but would look at it if the forces asked for one.... he did mention that the tech had to be developed for that first.

 

[zombie:-)]

dhruv might be a rip off but is sure damn good for its price

 

[LCA]

Continuation from above post............

LCH:

- Prototype being built - will fly mid-late this year.
- Dedicated Anti-tank role.
- 5.5 ton class MTOW
- Max speed 275 kph
- 12.0 m/s max oblique rate of climb
- 550 km range
- 6.5 km ceiling

Weapons:

- 20 mm NEXTER Cannon
- 70 mm rocket pod (both the above have been tested on the WSI Dhruv in late 08)
- A2A missiles
- A2 sea missiles
- ATGMs
- Iron/dumb bombs

The LCH stall guy mentioned that it would be able to carry around 1000 kg of armament at altitude (this was to an AF offr and family), but I'm not sure if that is correct. He didn't specify the altitude either.

Additionally, about Nag, there wasn't much talk, but he did say that when Helina came, they'd integrate it. Till then, it'd be the Mistral and the Israeli Lahat (did anyone notice 3 versions on Lahat in the Israeli stall - one, the normal, heli-launched, another 105 mm one, and the 120 mm launched version). More on Helina (only a little), when I upload about Saraswat's talk.

As known, the LCH will use the same elements as Dhruv, in a thinner fuselage - this made them have to look at the vibration aspects a bit more closely. They are currently tuning the AVCS for the LCH. The rotors will be the same, but the tail is strengthened against arms fire.... due to that, and the thicker tail, they had to make some weight adjustments. I think that this will make the empty LCH a bit heavier than the ALH.

Another thing is that the rear wheel does not retract... when I asked why this was, and wouldnt it increase the signature, the person at stall said that it was a tradeoff, and with the rotors behind, an extra wheel would make little difference to the RCS. Additionally, retracting wheel would require empty space in tail, which would only make the tail weaker against small arms fire.

Coming to sensors, as of now, they are not looking at putting the EO ball to see below the helo - the placement of the gun right at the front of the helo (unlike other helos, where it is below the cockpit) precludes this. When asked why the placement was as such, there was no reply. I also asked why not have a larger ball right at the tip of the nose, like on teh Apache, and he mentioned some vague thing about requirements and design compromises being required... I guess he didn't have an idea. Any luck on this Rakall??

They aren't looking at a mmW sensor just yet - remember that the Apache latest has two such sensors, one at the front nose, and another on top of the rotor. This allows them all-weather long range targeting. However, we do have some success with mmW radars, and a bit of work with such seekers. However, without having a fieldable mmW seeker equipped weapon, having such a sensor right now might be overkill.

Light Utility Helo:

- Not much info abut this, but prelim design is going on.
- It will be 2-3 tons. IAF and Army is still formalizing the ASR.
- It will have a 4 blade hingeless rotor. Unlike the ALH, this will be less rigid, perhaps due to the vibration issue
- 2 blade composite tail rotor - the composite tail rotor, i believe, is being attempted for the first time in India, and they are trying to see how it will hold up.
- It will be powered by a single Shakti engine.

I asked the HAL person if they were looking at creating a Recon helo based on this platform, like the Bell ARC. He said that they could do that if the services asked. However, even the ALH took some time to mature from Mk1 to WSI, so a weaponized recon version would be sometime after the helo was in the air. But it wouldn't be difficult to replace the payload capacity with sensors.

No projected numbers were given - I guess the numbers haven't been finalized.

NRUAV:

They are still discussing the terms of the JV and the projected configuration, but this is one project that the Navy is extremely interested in.

The NRUAV will be powered by the Turbomeca TM 33 2M2 engine.

Sensors will be the whole kit-and-caboodle. They are also looking at seeing if they can weaponize it with torpedos, but that is for later...

What the NRUAV will do is give all Naval ships, even small ones the capability of undertaking AS(W?) operations, which will give greater situational awareness to Naval commanders.


Indian Multi-role Helo (IMRH):

Anyway, it is still being conceptualized, but will be a successor to the Mi-8 and Mi-17s, which is the void they want to fulfil.... they are also looking to try and pitch for Naval service also, given that the ALH was insufficient due to its weight class.

- 10 ton class (12 tons was what I think the board at AI had put up)
- 390 nos requirement have been planned for.
- It will have a 3.5 ton payload at sea level.
- They want to give it as far as possible, equal high altitude performance as the Dhruv, but will know about it only when they start actual work.

Right now, it hasn't been sanctioned yet (same with the LUH), so any concept designs are just to satisfy the Forces projected requirements. They are looking at first flight within 3 years of go-ahead being given, and IOC with 6 years of that.

Overall, the impression got is that we have definitely reached a level, where the ALH has given us a technological platform to build Helos of all types... future helos will use a lo o technology from the ALH. The Shakti has been a great success for teh program, and has given a durable, high power platform. However, they need to amortize a lot of the tehcnology in the engine manufacture to be able to develop a similar engine ourselves. Also, given the lag in high technology areas, we need to be able to catch up in some technologies to be able to compete with the best in the world. However, right now, we are quite competent, and are giving Bell and Co some jitters.

Wrt Avionics, a lot of it is coming from Israel, and they are trying for JVs, and work from DARE to be able to make it ourselves.

To a question about whether we were looking at Fly-by-wire for helicopters, Dr. Sampath mentioned that they were nor really needed due to the weight advantages being minimal... the fact is that a helo is an essentially unstable platform, and FBW will not add any extra advantages that way.

Dhruv does have 12.7 mm resistance, in the form of composite and Kevlar armor . I think this has been quite satisfactory. If need be, they can add some extra armor, but it would add more weight, which would make the WSI lumber along, which would only increase the risk. So it is a tradeoff..

However, the LCH will have much more protection, in the form of armored plates for the pilots, and heavy duty protective glass. Another area to note is that the designers have also tried to add the same protection for all areas. Its little use of armoring the pilots when your tail is as vulnerable as tissue paper (Mi-25 and Apache had this problem), so they are looking at armoring these areas also.


Another thing i forgot to add to the previous post, while only 3 Mk3s are planned for 08-09 period, over 159 Mk4 WSIs are planned for the 2009-10 period. This suggests that the Armed forces are giving much more importance to the helo's lethality. I'm not certain about the prudence of this move, but what i do suspect is that they are looking at getting more flexibility by having combat ready platforms, which can be armed if required, rather than be stuck with bullet catchers without any way to react to threats.... however, given that they will continue to have the turret gun, I'm not sure how they can handle it...

 

[afriend]

LCA one question did we assemble Dhruv or did we make it here, i mean all the parts is it manufactured here???

 

[zombie:-)]

LCA one question did we assemble Dhruv or did we make it here, i mean all the parts is it manufactured here???

not all the parts are being built here it half n half

 

[CrazyEagle9]

not all the parts are being built here it half n half

I have hard copy of REVIEW OF HAL report by Ministry Of Defence..for the year 2007. There is a sentence written in LCA Part:-
That is...

Production Standard LCA comprises 65% of indigenous equipment (Line Replaceable Units).

 

[LCA]

LCA one question did we assemble Dhruv or did we make it here, i mean all the parts is it manufactured here???

Not all the part manufatured here.

Especially, weapon system.

There is not much detail available about the foreign parts.

And you can see my post that.

It started with MBB consultancy.

Engine is JV with france.

Glass cockpit and AVCS developed in india.

Apart from this , advanced technologies loke, Integrated Dynamic System (IDS) , Anti-resonance Vibration Isolation System (ARIS) , Full Authority Digital Electronic Control (FADEC) , Hingeless Main Rotor, Bearingless Tail Rotor and Automatic Flight Control System may be developed by india.

And definitely we make it here because without proper Know-how it is impossible to develope various variant of ALH,like LCH, LUH and Indian Multi-role Helo (IMRH).

 

[Capt JB]

Hi Guys,

To complete on this the following precisions:
- the EC 145 is officially certified as BK-117C-2 - EC 145 being only a commercial designation.
- the Dhruv was effectively developped in collaboration with MBB and the joint venture started before MBB and Aerospatiale joined to form Eurocopter in 1992. Originally, MBB was looking for a partnership to develop a new version of the BK-117 as they have done with the BO-105 which evolution was BO-108 that became EC 135 under Eurocopter venture, and after addition of the Fenestron tail rotor.
The design of the ALH is an evolution of the BK-117C-1, but certainly not that advanced as the BK-117C-2 is. In the later the cabin is full flat unobstructed, composite materials are extensively used, and de-facto the front part of the cabin is the front part of the EC 135 cabin, which changes the look of the aircraft.
Engines are in the latest version Turbomeca TM 333 2B2 that are manufactured in India except for some components which are still covered by French exclusive patents.
For the rest of it the aircraft is full Indian product, and no ripp-off at all.

with regards

 

[indyeah]

Why always this useless blame game from both sides when only a bit net research is needed to make things clear?



Aircraft data from Airliners.net

The Eurocopter Group was formed in 1992 out of MBB and Aérospatiale, just at the time when already first prototypes of Dhruv was ready. So it's not a copy, it was a joint venture!
MBB made the design based on there BK 117, HAL build the Dhruv out of it. Eurocopter also takes the BK 117 design base and build EC 135 and 145 out of it.

This just finishes the topic!

 

[Myth_buster_1]

guys guys guys... Dhrv is not a copy or rip off because the company which designed Dhruv also designed BK-117 "germany" MBB now Eurocopter.
but the fact remains, not a single major technical chip in dhruv is indigenously made by india, "all of them are imported" check the UN report.

 

[Myth_buster_1]

For the rest of it the aircraft is full Indian product, and no ripp-off at all.

which rest of the heli you are talking about?

the avionics? EW suite? MFD? etc?

Belgium

Forges de Zeebrugge FZ

Variants of the ALH have incorporated rocket launchers produced by the Belgiam company, Forges de Zeebrugge FZ.

For example, the photo below shows the FZ nameplate on the rocket launcher mounted on ALH on display at Farnborough International, UK on 14 August 2006.

[Photo Caption] © Robin Ballantyne

Forges de Zeebrugge FZ confirmed that they have contracts with both HAL and the Indian Army, which have been approved by the Belgian authorities and are subject to end-use agreements. Confidentiality clauses contained within the contract prevented fuller disclosure of any details surrounding the nature of the deal.12

France

Turbomeca

The French company Turbomeca (now part of the Safran Group) has undertaken both the direct export of engines from France to India but has also established licensed production and technology transfer arrangements with HAL to produce engines for the ALH. In February 2003, it was announced that Turbomeca and HAL had signed three major contracts. These included a contract for the supply of TM 333 2B2 engines for application on the HAL helicopter; and another contract for the repair and overhaul licence for the TM 333 2B2.13 The HAL website states that the ALH continues to use the "Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 Twin Turbo-shaft Engine 746 kw (1000 SHP)".14

Turbomeca confirmed that it has three contracts with HAL, two of which cover the supply, repair, servicing and overhaul of the TM333-2B2 engines for the ALH. The company also stated that all its contracts were regulated by the appropriate French export licensing authorities.15 However in its response to our enquiries the French Government stated that the engines in question are not classified as war material by the French regulations and do not appear in the list of items subject to the Myanmar embargo. In our view, this interpretation is wrong because non-listed items in the EC Dual Use Regulation if incorporated into military items bound for embargoed destinations become licensable, that is subject to the embargo (for more on this see the section on EU export controls on re-exports over military equipment below).16 It would therefore appear that the French Government places no restrictions on the transfer of equipment fundamental to the operation of the ALH notwithstanding the fact that it is clearly also used as a military aircraft.

GIAT Industries (Nexter) and MBDA

In July 2006 defence news service Shepherd Rotorhub quoted Hindustan

Aeronautics' chairman Ashok Baweja describing a weaponisation programme was under way for the ALH. This was to include a 20mm gun from the French company GIAT and rockets from European missile manufacturer MBDA.17 In December 2006, GIAT (now renamed Nexter) announced that it had been awarded a contract by HAL for:

"the supply of 20 THL 20 turrets that will equip the Indian Armed Forces' Advanced Light Helicopter. The order covers the development phase of 20 turrets. The first deliveries will take place in 2008...."18

In March 2007 Jane's Information Group reported that HAL signed a deal with MBDA in July 2006 for the supply of air-to-air Mistral missiles for armed versions of the ALH.19

Nexter has confirmed that it does supply products to HAL for the ALH. This currently includes twenty 'THL 20' 20mm Helicopter turrets. The company also stated that all of its exports are regulated and approved by the appropriate French export licensing authorities and that any additional contracts to supply the ALH that were not stipulated in the original contract would require a further export licence.20

Germany

Eurocopter Deutschland (formerly MBB) and now wholly owned by Eurocopter

Eurocopter has been involved (originally as MBB) with the development of the ALH since at least July 1984.21 In November 1995, it was reported that Eurocopter had submitted a proposal to the Indian Defence Ministry to "co-produce the ALH designed by HAL. It plans to set up production facilities in India to manufacture the ALH for both local and export markets."22 In 2006 both companies were advertising their mutual co-operation: Eurocopter noting that it was supplying rotor blades for the ALH,23 and HAL announcing that "Eurocopter, the helicopter manufacturer owned by EADS, has been cooperating with HAL for over four decades.... India was the first nation with which Eurocopter signed a licence agreement for technology transfer."24 Amnesty International wrote to Eurocopter in March 2007 asking for clarification over its role in the development of the ALH. As of 25 June 2007, the company had not responded.

SITEC Aerospace

SITEC Aerospace manufactures a range of components and complete assemblies for flight/engine controls for various types of aircraft.25 According to company literature on display at Farnborough International 2006, SITEC provides components for the ALH.

SITEC Aerospace confirmed that they supply parts for the ALH, but that they do not export these directly to HAL, but supply them to another unnamed German manufacturer who subsequently incorporates these items into other systems for the ALH.26

Italy

Elettronica Aster SpA

The Italian company Elettronica Aster SpA on its website describes HAL as a major customer. According to the "Company and Program Overview", Elettronica Aster SpA has produced and supplied the ALH with a brake system.27

Amnesty International wrote to Elettronica Aster SpA in March 2007 to ask for clarifications as to its involvement in the development of the ALH. In its reply dated 15 March, the company had no comment on the specifics of its supply of components for the ALH, stating only that Elettronica Aster SpA's "export activity is regulated by the rules called out in the Italian Law no.185/'90 (with amendment DDL 1927), establishing the regulation for weapons import/export/transit."28

Sweden

Saab AB

Saab Avitronics, the South African joint venture company owned by Saab AB (Sweden) and Saab Grintek (South Africa, itself part owned by Saab AB), has been awarded a multi-million dollar export contract from HAL for the supply of self-protection equipment for installation on the ALH for the Indian Armed Forces.29

Amnesty International wrote to Saab AB on 1 June 2007 asking for clarification over its involvement with the ALH. Saab AB replied saying: "All export approvals from the concerned authorities are in place. The export licences are supported by an end-user certificate."30

The United Kingdom

APPH Precision Hydraulics

At the 2004 Farnborough arms fair, the UK company APPH Precision Hydraulics Ltd displayed its Hydraulic Package as the following:

"HAL Advanced Light Helicopter Hydraulic Package designed and manufactured by APPH Ltd"

Amnesty International wrote to in March 2007 to ask for clarifications as its involvement in the development of the ALH. As of 25 June 2007, the company had not responded.

FPT Industries Ltd

In 1993 it was reported that FPT Industries Ltd had been awarded a contract to supply floatation equipment for the ALH under development by HAL.31 FTP Industries is part of GKN Aerospace Services Ltd. In 1997, it was reported that FPT Industries' self-sealing fuel tank systems were being used in the ALH.32 In 2007, the FPT Industries website stated that: "FPT equipment is fitted to a range of helicopters including ALH".33

In 1997, the then GKN Westland Aerospace Ltd (renamed GKN Aerospace Services Ltd in 2001) was awarded a contract to supply the internal gearbox BR715 for HAL's ALH.34

GKN Aerospace Services Ltd confirmed that they have supplied fuel tanks, floatation equipment and related gaskets and seals for the ALH, but that these are subject to end-use certificates stipulating that they would not be re-exported. The company stated that future supplies for the ALH would be for components and kits for fuel tanks that would be assembled locally in India, but would again be subject to similar end-use undertakings.35 However, while the UK Government normally requires the presentation of end-use documentation as part of the licensing process, it does not as a rule then include explicit end-use restrictions as a condition on the export licence . If this is the case in this instance, what force those end-use undertakings have is unclear.

Other third-country involvement in the ALH:

The United States

It should be noted that the US embargo on Myanmar does not specifically mention indirect supplies, nor does it place controls on civilian components that are incorporated into military systems. However, indirect supplies of US military components or other controlled items are subject to re-export controls under the US International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) system which specifically states that re-export of US-controlled content can only take place with the express permission of the US Government. Section 123.9 "Country of ultimate destination" provides that:

"(a) The country designated as the country of ultimate destination on an application for an export licence, or on a shipper's export declaration where an exemption is claimed under this subchapter, must be the country of ultimate end-use. The written approval of the Department of State must be obtained before reselling, diverting, transferring, transshipping, or disposing of a defense article in any country other than the country of ultimate destination as stated on the export licence, or on the shipper's export declaration in cases where an exemption is claimed under this subchapter. Exporters must ascertain the specific end-use and end-user prior to submitting an application to the Office of Munitions Control or claiming an exemption under this subchapter. End-use must be confirmed and should not be assumed."36

However, it is not clear whether components supplied by US companies for the ALH have been specifically designed or adapted for military use. If not, they may fall outside this specification.

Aitech Systems Ltd

In September 2005, it was reported that Aitech Systems Ltd, a US company, had announced it had "received the first production order from the Lahav Division of Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) for Display & Mission Computers" for inclusion in the glass cockpit of the ALH. The Lahav Division of IAI is under contract to HAL to develop and provide the avionics system for the HAL.37

Deliveries for the first production of Display and Mission Computers were due to be completed by May 2006:

"Aitech will build 400 Display & Mission Computers for the ALH program, to be delivered over the next several years. In addition, Aitech is under contract to IAI to provide the next generation of Display & Mission Computer." 38

Amnesty International wrote to the company in March 2007 asking for clarifications over its involvement with the ALH, but has yet to receive a reply (as of 25 June 2007).

Lord Corporation

In January 2004, it was reported that Lord Corporation had announced that it had been "awarded the first production contract for its active vibration control system" for the ALH. Lord Corporation had been supplying other parts (such as elastomeric bearings) for the main tail rotor and parts for various "isolators", which together formed part of an anti-resonance isolator system aimed at reducing vibrations in the aircraft." The report also stated that "Lord would supply the vibration dampers for these aircraft with user approvals."39

The Lord Corporation wrote to Amnesty International on 9 March 2007 saying that contractual obligations of confidentiality prevented any disclosure of the Lord Corporation's involvement in military products, other than information currently in the public domain. The company also stipulated that it was fully aware of government compliance issues and "strives to be in full compliance with all applicable regulations."40


for those delusional indians who think i pulled this out of pakdef trash can here is a link.... UNHCR | Refworld | Indian helicopters for Myanmar: making a mockery of the EU arms embargo?

 

[LCA]

I think it is a great think that India able to integrate all these component coming from different countries.
And not only integration but also take care of their compatibility with each other so well that , Dhruv became the finest heli.
Apart from indian arm and civil services it get order from other countries.

And also it is the well practical approach made by DRDO and HAL to develop it by using foreign component then one by one develop those component in india.

Shakti engine is one example which is the JV with french.And now it will manufacture and develope in india.

By the way it doesn't matter that we develop an copter with foreign help,thing matter is we have chopper of world class and we can manufacture in large numbers.

It is very simple what we have or what we don't have?

 

[SuperX7]

well, helicopters have nothing radical in design other than the engine, avionics, construction grade, survivability, power etc, they are not like jets and even jets look similar in some cases, so kill the sarcasm, its absolutely ok, and there are definitely differences in design here...