Aviation

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Aviation

Boeing, Antonov to Collaborate on Defense Projects

– MOU represents Boeing’s commitment to work with Ukrainian industry

– Includes exploring opportunities for collaborating on in-country support of Unmanned Aerial Systems

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed today by Boeing and Antonov Company to investigate potential collaboration on defense-related projects.

“We’re happy to keep collaborating with the Antonov Company to help Ukraine’s economic development and expansion,” stated Ted Colbert, CEO and president of Boeing Defence, Space, & Security.

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“This agreement demonstrates our ongoing efforts to find more opportunities to work with Ukrainian industry, which was underscored by our signing of the Ukrainian Defence Industry Compact earlier this year.”

The areas of potential collaboration identified in the agreement consist of training, logistical support and overhaul services for tactical Unmanned Aerial Systems utilized by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, which includes the ScanEagle. In addition, the companies will also explore opportunities for Antonov to provide engineering support to Boeing.

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“A strong, innovative, and efficient defense industry is key to sustainable economic development and national security, and we are extremely excited to collaborate with Boeing,” said Ievhen Gavrylov, CEO of Antonov Company.

This agreement brings a whole new level of opportunity to implement the latest and most effective solutions – in addition to the possibility of future projects with Boeing in the aerospace and defense industry.”