Dhruv vs SA 315B Lama

Overview

The Dhruv and the SA 315B Lama are both Military Helicopters, manufactured by HAL and Aérospatiale respectively.

Top speed is 280 km/h for the Dhruv vs 192 km/h for the SA 315B Lama. The Dhruv has an operational range of 630 km vs 515 km for the SA 315B Lama. The SA 315B Lama operates at altitudes up to 5,400 m compared to 4,400 m for the Dhruv. At 5,580 kg MTOW, the Dhruv is 2.4x the SA 315B Lama's 2,300 kg.

The Dhruv has been produced in 335 units vs 400 for the SA 315B Lama. The SA 315B Lama first flew 23 years before the Dhruv (1969 vs 1992).

Indian utility helicopter, notable for extensive deployment in diverse Indian military and civil operations since the early 2000s.
HAL Dhruv Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇮🇳 India
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer HAL
First flight 20 August 1992
Year introduced 2002
Number produced 335 units
Average unit price $12 million
French single-engined utility helicopter, developed in the late 1960s and introduced in the early 1970s, designed specifically for exceptional high-altitude operations.
Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama Helicopter profile drawing
Origin country 🇫🇷 France
Category Military Helicopters
Manufacturer Aérospatiale
First flight 17 March 1969
Year introduced 1971
Number produced 400 units
Average unit price --
Wing area -- m²
Wingspan 13.2 m
Height 5.0 m
Length 15.9 m
Maximum speed 280 km/h
Operational range 630 km
Service ceiling 4,400 m
Max. takeoff weight 5,580 kg
Empty weight 4,445 kg
Total thrust 2 x 404 kW
Wing area 95.4 m²
Wingspan 11.0 m
Height 3.1 m
Length 10.2 m
Maximum speed 192 km/h
Operational range 515 km
Service ceiling 5,400 m
Max. takeoff weight 2,300 kg
Empty weight 1,021 kg
Total thrust 1 x 649 kW

Performance Radar Chart

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is faster, the Dhruv or SA 315B Lama?
The Dhruv is faster with a maximum speed of 280 km/h compared to the SA 315B Lama's 192 km/h, a difference of 88 km/h.
Which has longer range, the Dhruv or SA 315B Lama?
The Dhruv has a longer range at 630 km compared to the SA 315B Lama's 515 km.
Which can fly higher, the Dhruv or SA 315B Lama?
The SA 315B Lama has a higher service ceiling at 5,400 meters (17,716 ft) compared to the Dhruv's 4,400 meters (14,435 ft).
Which is heavier, the Dhruv or SA 315B Lama?
The Dhruv has a higher maximum takeoff weight at 5,580 kg compared to the SA 315B Lama's 2,300 kg.
Which is larger, the Dhruv or SA 315B Lama?
The Dhruv is longer at 15.9 meters compared to the SA 315B Lama's 10.2 meters.
Which entered service first, the Dhruv or SA 315B Lama?
The SA 315B Lama entered service first in 1971, 31 years before the Dhruv which entered service in 2002.
Which has been built in greater numbers, the Dhruv or SA 315B Lama?
The SA 315B Lama has been produced in greater numbers with 400 units compared to 335 units of the Dhruv.