Indian forces to get an indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) even before a formal contract. A first, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to handover the initial batch of Light Combat Helicopter(LCH) to the Indian military even before the signing of the formal contract.
Air Force, Army to receive first `Ladakh proven’, high altitude capable attack helicopters by March. The Time cannot be better for India. India has locked horns with two of its most aggressive nuclear powers in the eastern and western borders. Tensions are rising between Indian troops facing the Chinese repeated invasion attempts in the Eastern Ladakh and all along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). While in the west, the failed state Pakistan indulging in all sorts of terror activists against the superior Indian Establishment. At this indigenous Combat, Helicopters will boost India’s offensive capabilities.
India has already deployed American imported AH64E Apache helicopters in a smaller number. With LCH join the forces both Apache and LCH can work in tandem acting as a force multiplier.
Officials said the Army and Air Force will receive a light combat helicopter (LCH) each by March, even before formal orders have been placed, as necessary certifications have been received. “In recent tests by the armed forces in high altitude areas of Ladakh, the helicopters demonstrated that they can operate with adequate payloads,” Hindustan Aeronautics Limited chairman R Madhavan told Economics Times.
The Sluggish Indian Defence Ministry is expected to approve the procurement process for the first 15 LCH. Of which 10 will be procured for the Indian Airforce while 5 will be provided to the army.
The Light Combat Helicopter was developed by keeping Indian climate and demography in mind. Tailored made for Indian Armed Forces needs LCH is a 5.5 Tonne class helicopters. The helicopter’s lightweight gives it an advantage over other competitors in its class in high altitude operations. LCH was tested in the world worlds highest war zone Siachen at an altitude of 4,700 meters.
The helicopter was tested in harsh climatic conditions of India, from sizzling desert heat to the coldest climates of Ladakh and Siachen.
India plans to mass-produce the helicopter and induct it in large numbers. So far India has the new production hanger set up to reach 30 LCH production per year.
The LCH has successfully carried out a range of missions, including the firing of an air-to-air missile – the first by a chopper developed in India. It is also equipped with a 20mm Turret gun and 70 mm rockets, the firing trials of which have already been completed.
Source : ET, Wikipedia,Twitter
