India is making significant progress in the development of defense products, and HAL is a key element of these amazing creations. Like the Light Combat Helicopter, it is an Indian-built helicopter that has broken numerous performance records. It is currently debuting in Indian Defense work. Let’s explore a few fascinating facts about this airplane.

No 1, When did the LCH program begin?

The Attack helicopter, which had to be employed for high-altitude capable combat fighter helicopters, was the weakness of the Indian defense during the Kargil conflict. HAL made an announcement about a program to develop the Light Combat Helicopter in 2006. The HAL anticipated having operating units by December 2023, however, there were a number of delays, some of which were blamed on the suppliers.

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No 2, How does LCH compare to other helicopters?

The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) was suggested to meet the IAF’s need for a specific light helicopter for combat operations. The most possible similarity exists between LCH and ALH. LCH has a compact fuselage, a tandem configuration with a pilot and co-pilot/gunner, and a number of other features.

No 3, How many orders have LCH already received?

The helicopter can carry out combat operations both during the day and at night. The LCH has a tandem cockpit that can accommodate two crew members and is furnished with modern weapon systems, electronic warfare equipment, and helmet-mounted targeting devices. 65 and 114 helicopters, respectively, have reportedly been ordered by the Army and the Air Force.

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No 4, What type of engine powers LCH?

Two Turbomeca Shakti turboshaft engines, each producing 1,430 horsepower, power the LCH’s four-blade main rotor and four-blade tail rotor. In fact, French Turbomeca and HAL are working together to create the Shakti engine, which has already been evaluated for performance in high-altitude operations.

No 5, The Apache Helicopter and LCH are contrasted.

The LCH, however, outperforms the Apache in one area: range. It has a maximum altitude of 6,500 meters and it has 550 km. Despite having a range of only 480 kilometers, the Apache can fly at a maximum height of 6,400 meters.

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No 6, How did HAL create a combat helicopter like LCH?

The Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter, created and produced by HAL, is India’s most sophisticated indigenous helicopter. Due to the attack capability of a variation known as Rudra, Dhruv has been employed for a variety of duties, including SAR, Evac, and RTR operations. It has already been implemented in the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Army. Through pipelines, it is also exported to other countries. Using the knowledge gained from developing the Dhruve helicopter, HAL constructed the LCH using both its avionics and componentry.

No 7, What are the LCH helicopter’s speed and characteristics of it?

Its top speed is 268 km/h, and it never goes faster than 330 km/h. Its endurance is 3 hours and 10 minutes, and its range is 550 km. It climbs at a pace of 12 m/s. Additionally, this aircraft is 51 feet in length, 15 feet in wingspan, and 15.5 feet in height.

Its main rotor diameter is 43.4 feet, and its primary weight is 2,250 kg when empty. Its maximum takeoff weight is 5800 kg, and its payload is 1,750 kg.

No 8, What weapons does LCH possess?

Its armament consists of a single 20 mm M621 gun mounted in the forward turret. It can carry four 12 FZ 275 LGR rockets on its four external hardpoints. Both Air to Air and Anti Tank guided missiles can be carried by it. It is capable of transporting Grenade launchers, unguided bombs, and Cluster Munition.

For increased survival, armor protection, night assault capability, and crash-worthy landing gear are all recommended. Its body is made of a crash-proof material, while the cockpit is made of glass for improved vision. It has a tail rotor without a bearing and the main motor without hinges.

No 9, How much does it cost to buy an LCH helicopter for Defence?

As of now for the latest order helicopter’s stated price is around Rs 259 crores which is around $31.8 million per unit at the current product price.  Indian defense has ordered 15 helicopters that are costed of 3,887 crores Indian rupees.

No 10, What kind of helicopter is in opposition to the LCH?

When it comes to capabilities, this helicopter is compared to the Chinese Z-10, Turkish T-129 Attack Helicopters, and Airbus Tiger combat helicopter. However, each helicopter has its own distinctive qualities that set it apart from the competition.