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On Monday, the twin-engine helicopter was formally incorporated into the 143 Helicopter Cell “Dhanush” at the Jodhpur Airbase. ACM (Air Chief Marshal) V. R. Chaudhari stated that the introduction of the locally developed and produced LCH (Light-Combat Helicopters) marks a new chapter and adds a distinct functionality towards the IAF’s battle prospects. Rajnath Singh, the defence minister, who observed the ceremony for the new members, said: “The induction of LCH emphasises the true fact, just like the nation appreciates the Indian Air Force believes in indigenous technology.” According to Mr. Singh, under diverse operating conditions, the LCH completely conformed with Army and Air Force requirements as well as the crucial quality metrics.
Key Takeaways
- This helicopter has the necessary agility, manoeuvring, increased range, high elevation accomplishments and 24/7/365 all-weather task execution capability.
- Modern systems and technologies compatible with stealth characteristics, including improved crash safety for greater survivability &, reduced IR profile, detection and range, visual, audio, and detections, have indeed been incorporated into LCH.
- Many critical aviation technologies, including composite airframe constructions & glass cockpits, have been indigenously developed.
- The next Series Production version will include other contemporary and native systems.
- The nation’s reliance on imported combat helicopters will decline due to LCH production. The import prohibition list already includes LCH.
Significant boost for India's defence
On Monday, the IAF (Indian-Air-Force) got its initial shipment of the LCH (Light-Combat-Helicopter ) produced by HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited ).
The LCH is anticipated to improve the nation’s border and aviation security. The IAF has been anticipating this initiative for a while.
The LCH helicopter is completely outfitted with a wide range of features and weaponry. The LCH can hold several different kinds of weaponry. One of the LCH’s outstanding features is its lightweight. Therefore, compared to the majority of other helicopters, the LCH seems to be more manoeuvrable. It is also capable of flying 5,000 metres in the air. This skill might be expensive to the opponent. The LCH can now travel to remote areas like Siachen and Ladakh since it can fly at this height.
Locally made light combat helicopter
The LCH, created especially for mountain combat after a need for it was realised during the Kargil conflict in 1999, was introduced into service by the IAF on Monday.
The 5.8-tonne twin-engine assault chopper, developed by state-run HAL, is outfitted with air-to-air missiles, 20 mm turret cannons, rocket systems, and other armaments.
During a ceremony held at the Jodhpur Airbase in front of senior military officials, such as Chief of Air Staff Air Vice Marshal VR Chaudhari & Defence Minister Rajnath, four helicopters from the fleet were welcomed into the IAF.
High altitude
HAL designed and developed the twin-engine LCH, a 5 to 8-ton category specialised combat helicopter. It was created in 1999 during the Kargil conflict when it was decided that this type of specialised framework that could function at great altitudes was required. The IAF and Army’s capabilities in high-altitude circumstances is greatly increased by the fact that this is the sole interceptor that can arrive and take off from a height of five thousand m (16,400 ft) while transporting a substantial load of ammunition and fuel.
The helicopter’s service ceiling of five hundred kilometres and maximum altitude of 21,000 ft make it ideal for employment in high-altitude areas of the Siachen Glacier. As per C.B. Ananthakrishnan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of HAL, who spoke at the occasion, said four LCH have already been given to the Indian Air Force and four more would be delivered this fiscal year.
He said that more than 200 manufacturers, in addition to the 70 participating in indigenization, were creating subsystems and components. He stated that the HAL has also started a comprehensive manufacturing planning process to prepare for exports.
The IAF and HAL signed a contract for 10 LSP (Limited Series Production) helicopters on March 30, 2022, and on Jun 1, 2022, the 143 Helicopters Unit “Dhanush,” which flies this LCH, was raised.
Thorough Testing
On Mar 29, 2010, the helicopter’s initial prototype had its first flight. Since then, it has gone through a lot of evaluation and testing. A 20 mm nose gun, 70 mm missiles, the anti-tank Dhruvastra unguided rocket, and the MBDA Mistral-2 air-to-air missile with a maximum intercept range of 6.5 km are all included in the LCH’s arsenal.
The CCS (Cabinets Committees on Security), under the direction of PM Narendra Modi, approved the procurement of Fifteen LSP variants of something like the LCH for 3,887 crores, along with infrastructure sanctions for 377 crores in March 2020. Of the Fifteen helicopters, 10 will be used by the IAF and five by the Army.
The LCH will gradually be stationed alongside China and will deploy H-64E Apache helicopters. The Army as well as the IAF have more pressing demands, but the LCH is still under contract.
The Army formed the first ever LCH Regiment on June 1, 2022, in Bengaluru, with a current strength of one LCH. The squadron will be operationally defined in the eastern sec during the first week of November 2022, according to reports. The Army plans to buy 94 LCH, according to early information from The Hindu, of which 7 units, each with 10 helicopters, would be deployed for combat operations in the Himalayas.
