India’s military aviation sector boasts several impressive helicopters, including the Dhruv and Prachand. Both of these aircraft play vital roles in various missions, but they are designed with different capabilities and purposes in mind.

The Dhruv, an advanced light helicopter, is known for its versatility and has been used in a wide range of operations, from search and rescue to transport.

On the other hand, the Prachand, also known as the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), is specially designed for combat situations, featuring enhanced weaponry and armor.

Understanding the differences between these two helicopters helps in appreciating their unique strengths and roles in the Indian Armed Forces.

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comparison between the HAL Dhruv and HAL Prachand helicopters
Length:The HAL Dhruv has a length of 15.87 meters (52 ft), making it slightly longer than the HAL Prachand, which has a length of 15.8 meters (51 ft 10 in).

Wingspan

Dhruv is designed without a wingspan as it is a multi-role utility helicopter and not equipped with wings.The Prachand has a wingspan of 4.60 meters (15 ft)

Height

The HAL Dhruv stands taller at 4.98 meters (16 ft ) with skid landing gear, compared to the HAL Prachand’s height of 4.70 meters (15 ft 5 in).

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Powerplant

The Dhruv powered by two HAL/Turbomeca Shakti-1H turboshaft engines, each producing 1,068 kW (1,432 shp). The Prachand is equipped with two HAL/Turbomeca Shakti-1H1 turboshaft engines, each generating 1,032 kW (1,384 hp).

Fuel Capacity

The HAL Dhruv has a fuel capacity of 1,055 kg (2,326 lb), whereas the Prachand has a larger fuel capacity of 1,800 kg (4,740 pounds), allowing it to cover greater distances or operate for longer periods.

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Range

The Dhruv Mk III has a range of 630 kilometers (390 miles, 340 nautical miles). The Prachand has a slightly longer range of 700 kilometers (435 miles, 378 nautical miles) with weapons.

LCH and Dhruv Helicopter Surveillance Camera, which assists pilots in monitoring ground activity and providing other flying aid to aircraft.

The sensor enables the camera to give crisp imagery from severe darkness through the twilight transition phase. It is designed for a variety of nocturnal and extreme low-light imaging scenarios.

The Indian Army’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand recently conducted the first-ever day-and-night firing of 20 mm turret guns and 70 mm rockets.

The helicopter is equipped with cutting-edge stealth features, strong armour defence, and a potent night attack capability. It can even operate in Siachen, the highest battlefield in the world.

With its robust design, advanced avionics, and versatile capabilities, the Dhruv has earned recognition both domestically and internationally. It represents the next generation of helicopters in the 5.5-ton weight category.

This advanced aircraft, an evolution from the Mk 1 model, excels in mitigating low visibility challenges during night-time search and rescue operations. As of January 2024, more than 400 Dhruvs had been produced for domestic and export markets.

With a 5.8-tonne class, the Prachand boasts a maximum speed of 288 kmph. To further enhance its combat prowess, the helicopter is set to be equipped with Helina missiles, while the air force variant will feature the Dhruvastra.

The Indian defense arsenal now boasts a tandem of combat helicopters, with the Apache and Prachand serving as formidable assets. The Apache comes pre-equipped with a suite of attack missiles and rockets, while the Prachand is steadily advancing its capabilities.