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The induction ceremony of ‘322 Dega Flight’ was held in the presence of Vice Adm Ajendra Bahadur Singh, AVSM, VSM Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command (ENC) with three indigenously built Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) MK III helicopters flying into Naval Air Station, INS Dega on 07 Jun 21.
With the induction of these Maritime Reconnaissance and Coastal Security (MRCS) helicopters, the ENC got a major boost towards enhancing the capabilities of the force, in pursuit of the maritime interests of the nation. These helicopters, built by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, are state-of-the-art flying machines and constitute a major step in our quest for “Atma Nirbhar Bharat”.
ALH MK III helicopters feature an array of systems previously seen only on heavier, multi-role helicopters of the Indian Navy. These helicopters are fitted with modern surveillance radar and electro-optical equipment, which enable them to undertake the role of maritime reconnaissance in addition to providing long-range Search and Rescue, both by day and night. In addition to special operations capabilities, Advanced Light Helicopters MK III is also fitted with a heavy machine gun to undertake constabulary missions.
A removable Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) is also fitted on ALH MK III helicopters to airlift critically ill patients. The helicopter also has a host of advanced avionics, making it truly an all-weather aircraft. The 322 Dega Flight at INS Dega is being led by Cdr SS Dash as the first flight commander who is an experienced ALH Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) with extensive operational experience.
Specification of ALH MK III
1. Crew- Two Pilots
2. Capacity- 12 Passengers
3. Max Takeoff Weight- 5500 Kg
4. Engine- Two Shakti-1H turboshaft Engines
5. Cruise Speed- 250 Kmph
6. Range- 630 Km
7. Endurance- 3 hours 30 minutes
8. Service Ceiling- 20,000 ft
Avionics in ALH MK III
1. RWS-300 Radar Warning System and LWS-100 Laser Warning System
2. MAW-300 Missile Approach Warning System
3. IDAS-3 Self Protection Suite
4. BOP-L Electronic Counter Measure Dispenser
Also Read: Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard gets Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters
