Aerospace

Prachand, India’s new Light Combat Helicopter, doesn’t yet have main arsenal or protection suite

The first squadron of the Indian Air Force’s indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), also known as Prachand, was raised, although it will take time for it to be fully operational because it now lacks its primary arsenal and protective systems.

IAF to induct Made-in-India light combat helicopter at Jodhpur(Opens in a new browser tab)

Despite being integrated with air-to-air missile launchers, the attack helicopter, also known as the tank buster, won’t receive its anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) until mid-2023. The indigenous Helina, whose air force version is known as Dhruvastra, is the ATGM that is supposed to be merged with Prachand.

The Defence Research and Development Organization(DRDOHelina/Dhruvastra )’s is presently being tested, and will be integrated into the LCH by the middle of next year as part of a time-saving strategy.

10 facts about the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) made by Indian HAL. (Opens in a new browser tab)

Although the MBDA-produced Mistral 2 air-to-air missile launchers are fitted inside the helicopter, the missiles have not yet been ordered. Mistral can destroy airborne objects as far away as 6.5 kilometres with a minimum range of 500 metres.

A 20 mm nose gun and unguided 70 mm rockets are also included in the LCH’s arsenal. According to sources, work is still ongoing, but shortly armament systems will be incorporated. The 15 copters are the initial batch, they continued, and once the systems are in place, the orders will increase. The IAF will have a little less than the Army, which is expected to purchase around to 90 of them for its air arm to support ground operations.

Aerospace

When Ratan Tata was denied entry to the airfield at the Aero India show, he waited

During our visit to Aero India 2019, we had the unexpected opportunity to see Ratan Tata at the event, which was a thrilling moment for us. However, there was a surprising hiccup when the security staff didn’t allow him to enter due to a lack of a security pass.

Despite this, he remained calm and patiently waited for about 20 minutes until a member of the Tata team brought him the required pass, after which he calmly proceeded inside. It was a humbling sight, showcasing his composed demeanor even in such situations.

Ratan Tata ji is not only a renowned industrialist but also a trained pilot, holding a pilot’s license. In 2007, he became the first Indian civilian to fly the F-16 Falcon during the Aero India show in Bangalore—a proud moment for the nation.

His passion for aviation extended beyond flying, as he played a key role in shaping India’s aerospace industry. Under his leadership, Tata ventured into manufacturing and maintaining aerospace components while upholding its legacy of quality. Notably, Tata’s collaboration with Airbus to develop and manufacture the C295 aircraft is a testament to its growing influence in the sector.