India's Shining Star

摘要

The Dhruv (Polaris or Pole Star) is one of the most significant aircraft projects in India and is an indication of the country's determination to create a world class medium helicopter that can, and is starting to, take on the latest designs in Europe, America and Russia. India's aviation industry has a long and productive history of building both foreign and local aircraft. Helicopter production began in 1969 when Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) started manufacturing the Aerospatiale SA 316B AIouette III under license as the Chetak.