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.

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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.

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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.

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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

Boeing Transfers Rocket Stage to NASA, Paving Way for Human Moon Mission

Image:Boeing

Boeing has achieved a significant milestone by providing NASA with the second core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.

This crucial component, crafted at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility (MAF), is set to propel the Artemis II crew into lunar orbit, marking humanity’s return to deep space after a 50-year hiatus.

The monumental Boeing-built rocket stage, the largest element of the Artemis II mission, will embark on a journey aboard the Pegasus barge, traveling 900 miles to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Comparison of two legendary aircraft B777x vs B747 aircraft:Click here

Upon arrival, it will be meticulously integrated with other essential Artemis II components, including the upper stage, solid rocket boosters, and NASA’s Orion spacecraft within the iconic Vehicle Assembly Building. This intricate integration process is a vital step toward the eagerly anticipated Artemis II launch, slated for 2025.

“Boeing-built products helped land humankind on the moon in 1969, and we’re proud to continue that legacy through the Artemis generation,” remarked Dave Dutcher, vice president and program manager for Boeing’s SLS program. “Together, with NASA and our industry partners and suppliers, we are building the world’s most capable rocket and paving the way to deep space through America’s rocket factory in New Orleans.”

NASA, Lockheed Martin Reveal X-59 Quiet Supersonic Aircraft:Click here

The delivery of Core Stage 2 marks a significant achievement in the evolution of the SLS rocket. Towering over 200 feet and powered by four RS-25 engines, this core stage, coupled with two solid-fueled booster rockets, will generate a staggering 8.8 million pounds of thrust. This immense power is crucial to launching Artemis II and future missions into the vast expanse of space.

The SLS rocket stands unparalleled in its capability to transport both crew and substantial cargo to the moon and beyond in a single launch. Its extraordinary capacity will facilitate the delivery of human-rated spacecraft, habitats, and scientific missions to destinations including the moon and Mars, ushering in a new era of space exploration.