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IAF to induct first batch of domestically built LCH at Jodhpur 

India to deploy its first Indigionusly built LCH helicopter squadron to one of the important territories to back up the defense power.

India to deploy its first Indigionusly built LCH helicopter squadron to one of the important territories to back up the defense power.

The Indian Air Force is set to formally raise its first unit of indigenous Light Combat Helicopters in Jodhpur in the first week of October coinciding with Air Force Day on October 8.

Ten LCHs will be inducted in the first batch completing one unit, a defense official said on Monday. The IAF is still working out the total number of LCHs to be acquired, the official stated.

As of now, India operates older Mi25 and Mi35 attack helicopters of which one squadron has been phased out following the induction of 22 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. The existing Mi-35 squadron is in the process of being sent for an overhaul which will extend its life by many years, the official stated.
The Army plans to acquire 95 LCHs of which seven units, each having 10 helicopters, are planned to be deployed for combat roles in the mountains.
the LCH gained the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land in Siachen, having repeatedly landed at several high-altitude helipads, some of which being as high as 13,600 feet to 15,800 feet.

At the cost of 3,887 IAF and the army have placed an order for 15 limited series production variants of the LCH. The LCH is the first dedicated attack helicopter of the Army, which otherwise operates 75 Rudra helicopters, the weaponized variant of the indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter.  India is also ordering a further 11 apache helicopters.

LCH has the Turbomeca Shakti engine which has the power of 1,032 kilowatts each and it has a max take-off weight is up to 5,800 kg and an empty weight of 2,250 kg.  It has a payload capacity of 1,750kg of weapons.

Things to know about china’s Newly built AC352 helicopter.(Opens in a new browser tab)

it has a maximum speed of 268 km/hr and has a range of 550 km and an endurance of 3 hours. it has a service ceiling of 6,500 meters.

It can carry various armament guns of 22mm m621 cannon.  in its 4 hard points, it can carry air-to-air missiles, anti-tank missiles,  cluster munition,s, and unguided bombs.

Meet the Bell 360, the latest rival to the Sikorsky Raider X.(Opens in a new browser tab)

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SpiceJet to Reintroduce Seaplane Routes in 2025

In a major development for regional connectivity and tourism, Indian low-cost carrier SpiceJet has announced its plans to relaunch its seaplane services in 2025. As reported by News18.

This ambitious initiative marks the airline’s return to seaplane operations after a hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it aims to improve access to some of India’s most remote and underserved regions.

The announcement was made in November 2024 by SpiceJet’s Chairman and Managing Director, spicejet ajay singh, during a demonstration flight from Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada to the Srisailam Dam. The event was attended by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu.

As part of this effort, SpiceJet has partnered with De Havilland for the trials and is providing crucial engineering, technical, and logistical support.

SpiceJet has been granted rights to operate seaplane services on 20 routes, including key destinations such as Lakshadweep, Hyderabad, Guwahati, and Shillong. The airline is now preparing to roll out services on these routes as soon as the necessary infrastructure is in place.

The airline originally pioneered India’s first scheduled seaplane service in October 2020, connecting the Sabarmati Riverfront in Ahmedabad with the Statue of Unity in Kevadia, Gujarat. However, the operations were paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, spicejet is poised to resume this innovative mode of transport, continuing its commitment to the UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) scheme, which aims to make air travel more accessible to the masses.

SpiceJet’s CEO highlighted the role of seaplane services in bridging transportation gaps, particularly in areas that have limited access to conventional air travel. The upcoming resumption of seaplane operations is seen as a significant step forward in making travel to remote destinations more affordable and accessible.

Additionally, the airline sees potential for these services to support tourism, as well as provide a reliable transportation option during emergencies, such as natural disasters when land-based access is compromised.

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