The state of Rajasthan, the first squadron of the Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) will be commissioned into the Indian Air Force (IAF). The helicopter training sorties at the facility have started.
On October 3, in the presence of Rajnath Singh, the defence minister, the Indian Air Force will commission the first batch of 10 Make-in-India LCH at the Jodhpur Air Force Station in Rajasthan.
The purchase of 15 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Limited Series Production was approved by the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) in March of this year, along with infrastructure sanctions totaling Rs. 377 Cr. Out of these, 5 LCH will be enlisted in the Indian Army.
The Ministry of Defense, the Light Combat Helicopter Limited Series Production (LSP) is a cutting-edge, modern combat helicopter that was designed, developed, and produced domestically. Its value of approximately 45% indigenous content is expected to gradually rise to more than 55% for the SP Version (MoD).
With a range of 550 km and a top speed of 268 kmph, the helicopter is propelled by two Shakti engines. With the ability to take off and land at around 5000 metres, it is suitable for high-altitude deployment (16,400 feet).
It should be emphasised that the IAF is still working on deciding how many LCHs to purchase. The ageing Russian Mi-25 and Mi-35 attack helicopters might be replaced with these helicopters.
The Indian Army established its first LCH squadron in Bengaluru in June of this year. Following the Line of Actual Control (LCH), it will be transferred to Eastern Command the following year. It intended to enlist 95 LCHs.
The MoD, “This helicopter is equipped with the necessary agility, manoeuvrability, extended range, high altitude performance, and around-the-clock, all-weather combat capability to perform roles of Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Destruction of Enemy Air Defense (DEAD), Counter Insurgency (CI) operations, against slow-moving aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs), high altitude bunker busting operations, Counter Insurgency operations in
Modern technologies and systems that are compatible with stealth features, such as decreased Visual, Aural, Radar, and IR signatures and crashworthiness features for greater survivability, have been included into LCH. There have been numerous indigenous developments in critical aviation technologies including the Glass Cockpit and composite airframe structures.
The upcoming Series Production version will have more cutting-edge and native technology.
The country’s reliance on imported combat helicopters will decrease as LCH production increases. The embargo list for imports of light combat helicopters is already in place.
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