HAL's Dhruv NG Civil Helicopter Takes Flight, Boosts India's Aviation Ambitions

• Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu inaugurated HAL's Dhruv NG civil helicopter's maiden flight in Bengaluru.
• The 5.5-tonne, twin-engine Dhruv NG is a multi-role helicopter designed for challenging terrains and global civil aviation.
• Features include a civil-certified glass cockpit, advanced avionics, crashworthy seats, and twin-engine redundancy for safety.
• It boasts a max take-off weight of 5,500 kg, speed of 285 kmph, and a service ceiling of 6,000 meters for high-altitude operations.
• The reconfigurable cabin can seat up to 14 passengers or serve as an air ambulance with four stretchers.

Why It Matters: Dhruv NG marks a significant milestone for indigenous aerospace, enhancing India's civil aviation capabilities.