Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) set to deliver the first batch of three Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) to the Indian Air Force (IAF) once acceptance tests are completed. These are part of the 15 Limited Series Production (LSP) helicopters approved for the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. Same will be subjected to customer acceptance and training shortly. On the remaining helicopters of the LSP series, in the current year HAL are producing four LCH for Indian Army and two for the Indian Air Force. Remaining six LCH will be produced next year.
The Light Combat Helicopter is an indigenous attack helicopter developed by HAL specifically for the Indian armed forces. It is designed to operate in high-altitude and rugged environments, providing close air support, anti-tank warfare capabilities, and conducting reconnaissance missions.
The delivery of the first batch of three LCHs to the Indian Air Force demonstrates progress in the development and production of this advanced helicopter. It also highlights the successful collaboration between HAL, the Indian Air Force, and other stakeholders involved in the program.
The LCH’s delivery to the Indian Air Force will enhance its combat capabilities and provide a valuable asset for various operational requirements. The helicopter’s advanced features, including its agility, firepower, and mission systems, make it suitable for both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios.
For more detailed and up-to-date information on the delivery of the LCH to the Indian Air Force, I recommend referring to official announcements or statements from HAL, the Indian Air Force, or the Indian Ministry of Defence. These sources should provide comprehensive information regarding the delivery schedule, further plans for the LCH program, and the integration of the helicopters into the Indian Air Force’s operational fleet.
The Indian Air Force has put forward a requirement for 65 LCH and the Indian Army for 114 helicopters. Of the 15 LSP helicopters, 10 are for the IAF and five for the Army. The Indian Army Aviation operates smaller utility helicopters but does not have attack helicopters in its fleet and has for sometime pitched for attack helicopters of its own to operate with its strike Corps. The attack helicopter fleet is operated by the Indian Air Force which provides close air support to the Indian Army.
The HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is an Indian multi-role attack helicopter designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). Its flight ceiling is the highest among all attack helicopters. It has been ordered for both the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. The LCH drew extensively on an earlier indigenous helicopter developed and manufactured by HAL, the Dhruv; using this rotorcraft as a starting point has been attributed as significantly reducing the cost of the programme.
On 29 March 2010, the first LCH prototype performed its maiden flight. An extensive test programme, involving a total of four prototypes, was conducted. During the course of these tests, 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 4145 meters to 4815. During mid-2016, the LCH was recognised as having completed its performance trials. On 26 August 2017, limited series production of the LCH was formally inaugurated.
