Light Combat Helicopters (LCH)

Why in news?

• The indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), Prachand was formally inducted into the Indian Air Force (IAF).

About Light Combat Helicopters (LCH):

• The LCH is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter.
• Technical specifications:
  • The LCH has been designed as a twin-engine, dedicated combat helicopter of 5.8-ton class, thus categorised as light.
  • It has a maximum speed of 268 kilometers per hour, a range of 550 kilometres, an endurance of over three hours and a service ceiling — the maximum density altitude to which it can fly — of 6.5 kilometres.
  • The helicopter is equipped with a countermeasure dispensing system that protects it from enemy radars or infrared seekers of enemy missiles.
• It is designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Weapons and other technologies:
  • The helicopter possesses modern stealth characteristics, robust armour protection and formidable night attack capability.
• Unique features:
  • 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.

Advantages of Light Combat Helicopters (LCH):

• The LCH has the capabilities of combat roles such as destruction of enemy air defence, counter-insurgency warfare, combat search and rescue, anti-tank, and counter-surface force operations.
• LCHs provide tremendous power and versatility to the Air Force. This is because:
  • LCHs enhance the combat capabilities of IAF
  • Enhance self-reliance in defence production

India’s present combat Helicopters:

• India has been operating French-origin legacy helicopters, Chetak and Cheetah, made in India by the HAL.
• These single-engine machines are primarily used for utility helicopters.
• Indian forces also operate the Lancer, an armed version of Cheetah.
• The Indian Air Force currently operates the Russian-origin Mi-17 and its variants. But they are to be phased out starting in 2028.

Need for Light Combat Helicopters (LCH):

• Adequate attention was not paid to the development of indigenous attack helicopters for a long time after independence.
• Heavy weapon systems and platforms do not allow for rapid movement on the battlefield. Thus, they are sometimes vulnerable and become easy targets for the enemy.
• Since the Kargil War in 1999, the need for LCH was felt as it could hold precision strikes in all Indian battlefield scenarios. This meant a craft that could operate in very hot deserts and also in very cold high altitudes.

PRACTICE QUESTION

With reference to Prachanda Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), recently inducted to Indian Air Force, consider the following statements:

1. It is highly suitable for operating in high-altitude battlefields

2. It is designed and developed by DRDO

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer