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

Airbus and French Aerospace Firms Growing Exports from India

In a significant move to bolster its supply chain, European aerospace giant Airbus has announced plans to ramp up component sourcing from India, tapping into the country’s vast opportunities.

During a press briefing in New Delhi on October 7, CEO Guillaume Faury emphasized the strategic importance of India within the Airbus supply chain, highlighting the company’s robust network of over 100 suppliers in the region.

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Faury, who also serves as Chairman of the French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS), noted that there are abundant prospects for collaboration between Indian and French aerospace companies. Leading a high-level delegation from GIFAS, comprising more than 60 companies and over 100 representatives, Faury aims to foster deeper partnerships and enhance business opportunities between India and France.

“We will continue to grow our sourcing of components,” Faury stated, forecasting a doubling of component sourcing approximately every five years over the next decade. This stable growth trajectory underscores Airbus’s commitment to deepening its ties with India.

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Currently, Airbus holds an impressive order book of around 8,600 aircraft and anticipates producing about 770 planes this year. This ambitious production plan aligns with the expected surge in India’s domestic air passenger traffic, projected to reach 300 million by 2030, according to Union Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu.

During the briefing, Naidu also highlighted the substantial investments being made to develop India’s airport infrastructure, with $11 billion allocated for this purpose. The government plans to develop 200 additional airports over the next 20 to 25 years, significantly expanding the current count of 157 airports, heliports, and waterdromes. By the end of 2025, the number of operational airports is expected to reach 200.

“The potential for partnership between India and France is immense,” Naidu remarked, further reinforcing the collaborative spirit that Airbus and French aerospace firms seek to cultivate in India.