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Light Combat Helicopter and its Features

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Recently, a domestically built Light Attack Helicopter (LCH) (“Prachand”), capable of destroying enemy air defense systems and conducting counterinsurgency strikes, was officially adopted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Jodhpur Air Force Base. This is a major development in India’s defense sector and this is very important for upcoming exams as this is a part of current affairs.

India’s Helicopters Development :
 

  • Currently, India operates the Chetak and Cheetah, an older French helicopter in the sub-3-ton category, primarily multi-purpose helicopters manufactured in India by HAL. 
     
  • The Indian Army also operates an armed version of the Cheetah, The Lancer.
     
  • In addition, the Indian Air Force currently operates its Mi-17 of Russian origin and its variants, the Mi-17 IV and Mi-17 V5 with a maximum takeoff weight of 13 tons, which will be phased in from 2028. 
     
  • However, the need first arose during the Kargil War of 1999 for a self-made light attack helicopter capable of precision strikes in all Indian battlefield scenarios. This meant a vehicle that could be used for counter-insurgency scenarios to large-scale combat conditions, in very hot deserts and very cold highlands.
     
  • The requirement was for an agile, multitasking combat helicopter. After initial consideration, the government approved his LCH project in October 2006, and HAL was entrusted with its development. HAL’s Rotary Wing Research and Development Center started the project and was already working on the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruva and its armed version ALH Rudra

Development of Light Combat Helicopter :
 

  • The LCH is designed as a 5.8-ton class twin-engine dedicated combat helicopter, so it is classified as light.
     
  • It features a narrow fuselage and tandem configuration (back to back) for the pilot and copilot. The co-pilot is also the Weapons Systems Operator (WSO).
     
  • It also has many cutting-edge systems that make it a dedicated attack helicopter.
     
  • The first technology demonstrator was completed in February 2010 and completed its maiden flight in March of the same year. Completed around 2012, the TD-2 prototype passed high-altitude cold-weather tests. His TD-3 and TD-4 prototypes, completed around 2014 and his 2015, were successfully tested for other flight test requirements.
     
  • According to HAL officials, flight tests were conducted at various altitudes, from Sea level to the Siachen Mountains, in extremely cold and hot climates and desert areas.
     
  • During these tests, mission sensors such as electro-optical systems, helmet-mounted display systems, solid-state data and video recorders, and weapon systems such as turret guns, missiles, and air-to-air missile systems were released. 
     
  • In March of this year, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the procurement of 15 LCH Limited Series Production (LSPs), 10 for the IAF and 5 for the Army.

Important Features of LCH :
 

  • The LCH has a maximum takeoff weight of 5.8 tons, a top speed of 268 kilometres per hour, a range of 550 kilometres, an endurance of over 3 hours, and a service ceiling (maximum density altitude attainable) of 6.5 kilometres. 
     
  • Helicopters use radar-absorbing materials to reduce radar signatures and have highly crash-resistant construction and landing gear. A pressurized cabin protects against nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) hazards.
     
  • Helicopters are equipped with countermeasure delivery systems that protect them from enemy radars and infrared seekers of enemy missiles. Weapon systems include 20mm turrets, 70mm rockets, and air-to-air missile systems. The LCH is powered by two Shakti engines of French origin manufactured by HAL.
     
  • These features make the LCH capable of taking on combat roles such as destroying enemy air defences, counterinsurgency, combat search and rescue, anti-tank defence, and anti-surface operations. 
     
  • According to the manufacturer, the LCH is the only combat helicopter in the world that can take off and land at an altitude of 5,000 meters with a large number of weapons and fuel, meeting the specific requirements of the Indian Army. 

Significance:

These are India’s significant achievements in the defence sector, demonstrating India’s ability to develop cutting-edge defence technologies, which will also pave the way for Aatmanirbhar Bharat. It will also help reduce India’s defence import bill while strengthening India’s position in defence equipment exports.
 


Last Updated : 31 Oct, 2022
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