06/10/2022
India has inducted an indigenously produced Light combat helicopter, known as Prachand, into its Air Force . Prachand is an attack helicopter capable of carrying out missions with full loaded weapons in high-altitude areas. India's prachand light Combat helicopter (LCH) is unique among modern combat helicopters in many ways. It is developed by state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL). The LCH comes with 5.8 tonne systems, and it is capable of destroying enemy tanks, bunkers, drones and other assets in high-altitude areas.15 LCH were ordered in the initial lot of which 10 will go to the IAF and five to the army.
Given India's geographical and climatic challenges, the advanced Apache helicopter from the United States did not meet all of the criteria. In such a case, India has prepared the design of the LCH with the needs of the Indian Army in mind. Dealing with the enemy army in inaccessible areas of India like Siachen and Kargil with Apache helicopters was a huge challenge. Apache cannot land on the high peaks of the mountains. here comes the Prachand LCH which is capable of warfare at high altitudes
The helicopter possesses modern stealth characteristics, robust armour protection and formidable night attack capability, and it is fully capable of even operating in Siachen, the world's highest battle-field.
the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is extremely light. The helicopter is around six tonnes in weight. The Apache helicopter, on the other hand, weighs around ten tonnes. The LCH can launch and land despite being loaded to capacity with missiles and other weaponry, especially in high-altitude regions, because of its lightweight. 'Mistral' air-to-air and air-to-surface missiles, which were particularly ordered from France, can be carried by the LCH assault helicopter.
There are two pedestals in LCH, each holding 12 rockets. Each rocket has a diameter of 70 mm. In addition to this, the LCH has a 20 mm gun located in the nose that can fire in any 110-degree direction. The pilot's helmet has displays for all of the cockpit's functions.
The helicopter can also be deployed in counter-insurgency operations in the jungles and urban environments as well as for supporting ground forces.
The helicopter can also be used against slow-moving targets and remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) of adversaries.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has tested LCH helicopters from Siachen Glacier to the Rajasthani desert. A considerable amount of fuel and weaponry were also used in the LCH during this time. Two LCH helicopters were already stationed on the LAC bordering Eastern Ladakh before they were formally accepted into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The experts have told by mid-2023 the attack helicopter will get its anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) and also integrated with air-to-air missile.
Research: Ankit Kumar, JNU
