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10 facts about the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) made by Indian HAL. 

India is making significant progress in the development of defense products, and HAL is a key element of these amazing creations

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.

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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.

IAF to induct first batch of domestically built LCH at Jodhpur (Opens in a new browser tab)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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He is an aviation journalist and the founder of Jetline Marvel. Dawal gained a comprehensive understanding of the commercial aviation industry.  He has worked in a range of roles for more than 9 years in the aviation and aerospace industry. He has written more than 1700 articles in the aerospace industry. When he was 19 years old, he received a national award for his general innovations and holds the patent. He completed two postgraduate degrees simultaneously, one in Aerospace and the other in Management. Additionally, he authored nearly six textbooks on aviation and aerospace tailored for students in various educational institutions. jetlinem4(at)gmail.com

Aerospace

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

Which is bigger 777x or 787 aircraft ?

The 777X is a new series of the Boeing 777 family and is designed to be larger and more efficient than its predecessor. It features two variants: the 777-8 and the 777-9, being the larger of the two.

The Boeing 777X emerges as the larger sibling within the Boeing family, representing a significant leap forward in both size and efficiency. Comprising two variants, the 777-8 and the 777-9, the latter takes the crown as the larger of the two. With its expansive fuselage and impressive wingspan, the 777X is tailored for long-range journeys and boasts a substantial passenger capacity.

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On the other hand, the Boeing 787, affectionately known as the Dreamliner, occupies a niche in the market as a smaller yet formidable aircraft designed for medium to long-range flights. Its distinguishing feature lies in its composite fuselage, a technological marvel that renders it lighter and more fuel-efficient compared to conventional aluminum counterparts. The Boeing 777X is larger than the Boeing 787 aircraft.

When it comes to passenger capacity, the 777-9 reigns supreme, typically accommodating a sizeable contingent of 400-425 passengers in its standard configuration. In contrast, the 787, with its more modest dimensions, typically carries between 240-290 passengers, depending on the variant and layout.

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One of the remarkable innovations introduced with the 777X is its folding wingtips, a feature designed to address the logistical challenges of accommodating such a large aircraft in conventional airport gates. These folding wingtips enable the 777X to retract its wings, allowing it to fit into gates designed for smaller aircraft while still reaping the benefits of an extended wingspan during flight, thereby enhancing fuel efficiency and operational flexibility

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Aerospace

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft

China Secures Production Certificate for Mass Production of Pilotless eVTOL Aircraft
EHang

The first passenger-carrying pilotless electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft in the world, the EH216-S, has received the Production Certificate for its eVTOL aircraft from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

This is a significant milestone for EHang Holdings Limited, the leading UAM technology platform company in the world. This outstanding accomplishment is another big step towards mass manufacturing for the eVTOL aircraft and the ensuing commercial operations, building on the ground-breaking acquisition of the Type Certificate and the Standard Airworthiness Certificate for the EH216-S.

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The PC is a crucial certificate that the aircraft maker receives from the CAAC, the country’s aviation authority. By obtaining this certificate, EHang has demonstrated that it has set up a quality management system for mass production that satisfies the airworthiness regulation standards set forth by the CAAC, and the company has been given permission to continue producing mass quantities.

It is also a strong guarantee of the calibre of the goods made by EHang. Raw materials, supplier management, manufacturing organisation, production quality control, aircraft pre-delivery test, after-sales repair and maintenance, etc. are all included in the mass production quality management system for the EH216-S.

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To ensure that every aircraft and its components that roll off the production line strictly adhere to the approved type design and safety requirements, the system sets clear guidelines and documentation for every step in the production procedure. This ensures comprehensive traceability and safety control.

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Aerospace

Four Airbus A380 Superjumbos lined up to be scrapped

EASA Proposes AD for Airbus A380 Wing Rib Foot Cracks

In a strategic move aimed at reclaiming valuable resources from the iconic Airbus A380 aircraft, VAS Aero Services and Dr. Peters Group have announced a significant collaboration.

This partnership marks a milestone in aviation logistics and aftermarket services, with four of these colossal planes slated for teardown and redistribution of used serviceable material (USM).

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The venture between VAS Aero Services, renowned for its expertise in aircraft dismantlement, and Dr. Peters Group, a prominent Germany-based investment fund management firm, underscores a commitment to sustainable aviation practices. This isn’t their first foray into scrapping A380s; their successful partnership has already seen the dismantlement of these aircraft, making them pioneers in this niche.

Under the agreement, the latest consignment brings the tally to eight A380s entrusted to VAS by Dr. Peters Group. Managing Director Christian Mailly of Dr. Peters Group emphasized the trust placed in VAS, citing their unparalleled capabilities in dismantlement and aftermarket sales network. It’s a strategic move in response to the growing demand for quality USM parts, particularly with the resurgence in reliance on the A380.

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Notably, the teardown process will be carried out at various locations, optimizing the positioning of harvested parts to cater to different markets. While some parts will be positioned in Europe to support operators in the region and the Middle East, others will remain in the Asia-Pacific region. This meticulous strategy ensures efficient access to spare parts, benefiting MROs and airlines across these markets.

The decision to retire these A380s comes at a time when operators are reassessing fleet strategies amidst evolving market dynamics. Despite initial plans for quick retirement due to the emergence of more fuel-efficient alternatives, factors such as a rebound in long-haul demand and delays in new widebody deliveries have prompted operators to reconsider. The A380, with its unique capacity and capabilities, presents a practical solution for short-term capacity management.

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