India’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH): In a big boost to indigenous defence manufacturing, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi Friday handed over locally developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) produced by the state-owned aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited to the Indian Air Force (IAF) during a special programme to mark the 75th year of the country’s independence in north-Indian city of Jhansi in Uttar Pradesh.
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari received the LCH in presence of senior politicians and military and civilian officials.
LCH is the dedicated combat helicopter designed and developed indigenously for the first time in India.
According to the helicopter manufacturer HAL, LCH is the only Attack Helicopter in the world which can land and take-off at an altitude of 5000 m (16400 ft) with considerable load of weapons & fuel meeting the specific requirements of Indian Armed Forces.
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HAL has proactively initiated advance action towards launching the production activities of 15 LCH LSPs with internal funding. Material procurement for all the 15 helicopters have been completed.
Three helicopters are ready for delivery to users and the balance helicopters are in advanced stages of production.
HAL said it has already initiated various planning activities and has drawn a detailed master plan for achieving the peak rate production capacity of 30 helicopters per annum to manufacture the remaining 145 LCHs.
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As in other aircraft development, LCH is also being continuously upgraded with advancement of technologies. Improved Electronics Warfare (EW) Suite, Directional Infra-Red Counter Measure (DIRCM), Air to Ground Missile (ATGM), Data link, Anti-Radiation Missile (ARM), Bombs, Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) protection and Wire cutter are being incorporated.
Being a unique helicopter in this weight category and with this kind of capabilities, LCH is also expected to have a good export potential.
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HAL’s Light Combat Helicopter.
India’s Light Combat Helicopter LCH
The LCH is a twin-engine, 5.8-ton class helicopter featuring narrow fuselage and tandem configuration for Pilot and Co-pilot/Weapon System Operator (WSO).
It incorporates number of stealth features such as reduced radar and infra-red signatures and crashworthy landing gear for better survivability.
HAL’s LCH incorporates advanced technologies and is designed to carry out roles such as Destruction of enemy air defence, Counter insurgency, Search and rescue, antitank, Counter Surface Force Operations etc. LCH is a truly ‘Make in India’ product built with private industry participation.
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Production of LCH is envisaged through participation of public sector and private sector partners. More than 250 vendors are involved in manufacturing of components, assemblies, tools & test equipment and preparation of technical documentations apart from 70 vendors involved in indigenization of various items.
Post 1999 Kargil war, the need to have an effective helicopter weapons platform to deliver precision strikes at high altitude was felt by IAF.
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The Design & Development of LCH was sanctioned by the Government during October 2006. Subsequently, Indian Army joined the program during December 2013 leading to a total projected requirement of 160 LCHs.
IAF issued Air Staff Qualitative Requirements during July 2016 for Limited Series Production (LSP) of LCH. Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) for LCH LSP for IAF was accorded by CEMILAC during August 2017 based on the compliance to ASQR. Subsequently, IOC for Indian Army was received from CEMILAC during February 2019.
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