HAL Light Combat Helicopter

The Cabinet on Security (Committee CCS) on March 30, 2022 approved the procurement of 15 HAL-made Light Combat Helicopters for Rs 3887 crore and approved the infrastructure for its creation which is worth Rs 377 Crore.

The LCH will be used to provide close-air support for infantry during combat operations. Just what are the specifications of the HAL Light Combat Helicopter? The details of this helicopter will be given in the context of the IAS exam

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Overview of HAL Light Combat Helicopter

The HAL LCH is a multi-role attack helicopter designed by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for use in the Indian Air Force and Indian Army. Its flight ceiling is one of the highest among the attack helicopters of the world.

The need for a development of an LCH came following the conclusion of the Kargil War in 1999. During the conflict the Indian Armed Forces realised that they lacked a suitable helicopter that could operate in high-altitude. Thus the Indian Armed Forces, as per HAL, commenced efforts to produce a helicopter that could operate in such conditions.

In 2006, HAL announced a programme to create a programme that would create the Light Combat Helicopter. The HAL estimated that it would have operational units y December 20210 but it was subject to several delays, some of which were attributed to suppliers

The Light Attack Helicopter’s design was based on other indigenous helicopters earlier manufactured by HAL such as the Dhruv. On 29 March 2010, the first LCH prototype performed its maiden flight. It had the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land at the Siachen glacier, reportedly at altitudes as high as 13,600 feet to 15,800 feet.

The LCH was cleared for limited series production on August 26, 2017. On 19 November 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially handed over the LCH to Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudari, thus inducting it into the Indian Air Force.

Characteristics of HAL Light Combat Helicopter

The general characteristics of the HAL Light Combat Helicopter are given in the table below:

Apache Helicopter vs Light Combat Helicopter

The Indian Armed Forces had acquired American AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopters. In February 2020, another six helicopters for the Indian Army were ordered, including weapons, equipment, and training. The deliveries for the Indian Army Apaches are planned to begin in 2023.

The difference between the Apache Helicopter and the HAL Light Combat Helicopter is as follows:

• The Apache is a meter shorter than the LCH although it has a marginally larger wing-span and slightly taller height.
• Although the size difference between the two choppers isn’t that large, when it comes to weight, the Apache is 3,148‬ kilos lighter than the LCH.
• Both the Boeing AH-64 Apache and the HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) are two-seat multi-role attack helicopters.
• The Apache is a meter shorter than the LCH although it has a marginally larger wing-span and slightly taller height.
• Although the size difference between the two choppers isn’t that large, when it comes to weight, the Apache is 3,148‬ kilos lighter than the LCH.
• The HAL LCH is powered by 2 Shakti turboshaft engine with 1,430 horsepower each. The Boeing Apache helicopter is powered by 2 General Electric T700 GE 701C turboshaft engine capable of delivering 1,890 horsepower each.
• Although, the LCH has an edge over the Apache in another area — range. It’s capable of surveilling targets up to 700 kilometres away while flying 6,500 meters in the air. The Apache only has a range of 480 kilometres and can reach a ceiling of 6,400 meters.
• The Apache is also equipped with 16 AGM-114 ‘Hellfire’ Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) in addition to four Hydra-70 19-shot Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket (FFAR) rocket pods, and four auxiliary fuel tanks.
• Since the Apache choppers have stronger engines, they’re also capable of delivering higher speeds. The LCH’s top speed is 280 kph while the Apache can hit 295 kph.

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