First Indigenous Light Combat Helicopter

Syllabus: General Studies Paper 3

India’s first indigenous light combat helicopter was inducted into the IAF. The helicopter is capable of offensive operations in high-altitude areas like Siachen Glacier and eastern Ladakh.

• Indian Air Force has formally inducted the indigenously developed multi-role Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Prachand.
• The Helicopter is suitable for operating in high-altitude battlefields, and capable of destroying enemy air defence and engaging in counter-insurgency operations.
• The Limited Series Production version of the light combat helicopter has around 45 per cent indigenous content by value.
• In due course, it will increase to more than 55 per cent for the Series Production version.

Features of Prachand

• The LCH is the only attack helicopter in the world which can land and take off at an altitude of 5,000 meters with a considerable load of weapons and fuel.
• Designed as a twin-engine, it has the maximum take-off weight of 5.8 tonnes, maximum speed of 268 kilometers per hour, range of 550 kilometers.
• It has an endurance of over three hours and service ceiling — the maximum density altitude to which it can fly — of 6.5 kilometres.
• It is powered by two French-origin Shakti engines manufactured by the HAL.
• As far as weapons systems are concerned, a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rockets and air-to-air missile systems are onboard.