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Chapter 18 : HAL Misc


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A lot more space should normally mean a lot more display items. However, the only result of added space and one more hangar, were displays which were much more spread out and wider instead of any large leap in the actual numbers. Most of the items at the HAL stands were of the traditional category but a few new items were also included. Overall, the exhibits on display were but a fraction of HAL's massive product lineup but the presentation did show a notable improvement.            
The HAL Chetan taxies forth, as the commando-carrying Dhruv (IA-1103) concludes it's display sequence. Time constraints saw near-parallel air displays of different aircraft, on certain occasions.                      
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The only naval variant of the Dhruv at the show, prepares to leave as well.    

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All helicopters need to get well clear of the static display lineup, before takeoff.      
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After a long and irritating wait, IN-701 finally takes off and flies away.        
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For the very first time, the air-to-air armament slated for the Dhruv-WSI, is revealed to be the Matra (MBDA) Mistral-2 IRAAM, although the latter is not in service with the Indian Armed Forces. Integration and packaging may be carried out by a third party agency. The LAU-FZ-231 seen at the rear, is a rocket pod system provided by 'Forges de Zeebrugge'   
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Two pairs of Mistrals may be carried for self-defence in addition the standard load of air-to-surface or anti-tank munitions.             
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Model of Civilian Dhruv (VT-XLH) with detailed VIP configured interior. The three other civil variants of the helicopter being built include two for the government of the state of Jharkand ( 1 Police, 1 VIP variant ) and one for Israel. At least two new civilian variants should have been completed by now. ( c/ns DW-28 and DW-32)  
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The white model represents the previous paintscheme of the VT-XLH.  The model in front, is that of a HAL Cheetal, the upgraded Cheetah, re-engined with a TM 333 2M2. The actual aircraft wasn't present at the show. 
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It is well known that HAL manufactures passenger/cargo doors for the Boeing and Airbus but this is the first time that these are actually being shown.  
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The Lakshya PTA drone is in series production at HAL's Aircraft Division, Bangalore. The Lakshya was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force, Army and Navy in 2000, 2001 and 2003 respectively. The developers, ADE, are also working on the voice-recognition system for the LCA's cockpit.  
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Each of the two tow targets have a tow length of 1.5 km. With these, the aircraft has an endurance of 50 minutes at Mach 0.56 and an altitude of 1.5 km. 
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The HAL PTAE-7 powers the Lakshya. The engine is 6401.383 mm long, 330 mm in diameter and weighs 69 kg. Under ISA-Sea level Static Conditions, it develops a thrust of 373 daN at an SFC of 1.20 kg/daN-h with an engine speed of 29,500 rpm, engine mass flow of 6.65 kg/sec and a compressor pressure ratio of 4.65.         
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HAL is close to completing the upgrade of 105 MiG-21bis to MiG-21 Bison standard and proceeding onto the last 20. Known squadrons equipped with the Bison, include No.3 'Cobras', based at Ambala, No.21 'Ankush' based at Sirsa, No.32 'Thunderbirds' based at Jodhpur and No.51 'The Sword Arms' based at Srinagar.  
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The Bison shot to fame after it's sterling performance against the F-15C of the USAF and F-16C-blk-50 of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), during joint exercises. Apart from the KAB-500/1500Kr PGMs, the type also carries the Kh-29LE/TE for air-to-surface duties. There is no internal SPJ (please correct previous information) and the Elta EL/L-8222 is carried externally.   
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The Bison and Jaguar upgrades have kept the HAL divisions at Ozhar and Bangalore respectively, busy for quite a while. The MiG-29 is next in the upgrade line and a general plan is being formulated.     
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