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India’s first home-grown Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is scheduled for its maiden flight next month. According to the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), at whose facility the LCH is being built, the LCH completed its first ground run last week.
According to HAL officials, the performance during the first ground run of the LCH attack helicopter was more than satisfactory. However, some minor issues need to be addressed. But with repeated ground runs of the LCH being regularly carried out, the LCH will be ready for its debut flight.
The indigenous LCH is a derivative of the Dhruv ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter) already being inducted into the armed forces. The twin-engine LCH will be armed with a 20mm turret twin-barrel gun, cluster bombs, rocket pods as well as four types of missiles (including air-to-air and air-to-ground), anti-tank and anti-radiation missiles. The LCH is designed for anti-tank and anti-infantry roles with a maximum speed of 275 kilometres per hour. It will also be capable of high-altitude warfare with its operational capabilities at heights ranging at 16,000 to 18,000 feet. The LCH will incorporate a number of stealth features and crash-worthy landing gear for better survivability. The LCH will have a narrow fuselage, with a two crew station. The LCH flies on the Shakti engine, which is jointly developed by HAL and Turbomeca of France.
The indigenous LCH will be inducted in large numbers into the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army by the end of 2011. Sources said that almost 200 of them are expected to be in service with the Indian military. The IAF had projected an initial requirement of 65 LCH fitted with helmet-mounted targeting systems, electronic warfare equipment and other electro-optical equipment. HAL officials are hopeful of obtaining the final operational clearance for the LCH and it can be ready for induction by end of 2011.
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