Light Combat Helicopter inducted into IAF: Features and capabilities

• The indegeneous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), capable of destroying enemy air defence and conducting counter-insurgency strikes, was formally inducted into the IAF at the Jodhpur air base.
• The helicopter will be called 'Prachand', which means fierce.

Genesis

• 1999 Kargil war - the need for a lightweight assault helicopter that could operate in hot deserts and cold high altitudes, in counter-insurgency scenarios and full-scale battle conditions was felt.
• India has sub-3-ton category French-origin legacy helicopters, Chetak and Cheetah.
• 2006 - After initial deliberations, the government sanctioned the LCH project.

Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)

• Manufactured by the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).
• 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. T
• A twin engine, dedicated combat helicopter of 5.8ton class * Categorised as light.
• Features a narrow fuselage and tandem-one behind the other - configuration for pilot and co-pilot..
• Mission sensors like electro-optical system and helmet mounted display system, & weapon systems like turret guns and air-to-air missile systems, were integrated.
• Specifications * Maximum take-off weight - 5.8 tonnes * Maximum speed - 268 km per hour * Range - 550 km * Endurance - over 3 hours

Prelims Takeaway

• Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
• Chetak and Cheetah