Bangalore: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) today (Nov 25, 2004) said it has signed a contract with Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) for supply of the civil variant of 'Dhruv' helicopter to Israel, for transportation.

The indigenously designed and manufactured Dhurv helicopter will be shipped to Israel shortly, HAL said in a statement in Bangalore.

HAL has produced 35 Dhruvs till now, primarily for Defence customers.

Israel is the second overseas customer for the Dhruv. Two Dhruvs have already been exported to Nepal last year, it said.

Capabilities of Duruv were demonstrated in Paris Air Show-03 and in Singapore Air Show in February 2004, which have created keen interest among various international civil and military operators, the statement said.

Also, HAL and IAF (Indian Air Force) have jointly conducted extensive flight demonstration of four Dhruv helicopters in Chile in June and July 2004, which demonstrated the full capability of the Dhruv.

Earlier this month, the Dhruv set a world altitude record by flying at a density altitude of 27,000 feet in Ladakh over the Himalayas while escorting a Cheetal (HAL re-engined Cheetah) which also set a high altitude landing record.