The ALH (Dhruv) ("Pole Star") is a multi-role helicopter developed and manufactured by India's Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Military versions inducted in ARMY are for transport, utility, reconnaissance and Casualty -Evacuation roles.

Design Features.     The ALH features a 'System Bolkow' four-blade hingeless main rotor with carbon fiber composite blades. The blades have advanced aero foils, swept back tips for reduced nose, and feature a ballistic tolerance against bullet hits of up to 12.7mm caliber. The ALH also features a four axis automatic flight control system, with an integrated control & stability augmentation system from France.

Airframe.     The airframe makes extensive use of composites (Glass Fibre, Carbon and Kevlar) and accounts for 29% of overall structural weight and 60% of surface area. The helicopter design enables the crew to survive vertical impacts of up to 30 feet per second, due to the safety seats and a design of controlled deformation of fuselage crumple zones. The cabin was designed to seat 12 people; however 14 can be accommodated in a high-density configuration. An under slung load hook is standard on army helicopter.