CAPF AC 2022 Q49: Defence & Security – Defence Technology
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Answer: (d) 3 only
Explanation
Rudra, the armed helicopter
How to think: Cheetah and Chetak are old light helicopters from the 1960s and 70s.
They carry people and supplies.
Rudra is the armed version of the Dhruv helicopter.
| Helicopter | Origin | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Cheetah | French Lama, built by HAL | Light utility; high-altitude work in Siachen |
| Chetak | French Alouette III, built by HAL | Light utility, rescue, training |
| Rudra | HAL; Dhruv Mk IV, Weapon System Integrated | Armed: turret gun, rockets, air-to-air missiles |
Rudra's weapons: a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rockets, Mistral air-to-air missiles and anti-tank missiles.
Other HAL helicopters: Prachand (Light Combat Helicopter) and the Light Utility Helicopter, which will replace Cheetah and Chetak.
Answer: (d) 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Cheetah and Chetak are light utility helicopters, not gunships.
- (b) Incorrect. Chetak carries no turret gun or air-to-air missiles.
- (c) Incorrect. Cheetah is a light utility helicopter.
- (d) CORRECT. Only Rudra has a turret gun, rockets and air-to-air missiles.
Key point
HAL helicopters: Cheetah and Chetak (light utility, French designs), Dhruv (Advanced Light Helicopter), Rudra (armed Dhruv, ALH-WSI), Prachand (Light Combat Helicopter), LUH. Imported: Apache (attack), Chinook (heavy lift).
Remember
Rudra = armed Dhruv; Cheetah and Chetak = utility.
Common mistakes
- Mixing up Cheetah and Chetak, which are both unarmed utility types.
- Not knowing that Rudra is the armed Dhruv.
- Confusing Rudra with Prachand, the Light Combat Helicopter.
Exam tip
Educated guess: Rudra is the fierce form of Shiva; the name signals a fighting machine. Cheetah and Chetak are 50-year-old designs used for supply and rescue.
Sources
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited — Helicopters: Rudra (ALH Mk IV WSI), Cheetah, Chetak
- Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Defence — induction of indigenous Light Combat Helicopter and status of ALH variants