HELICOPTER 2LST

Though a derivative of the Advanced Light Helicopter
(ALH) 'Dhruv' was already inducted into the armed forces for
passenger and cargo transport, LCH's primary roles would be in
air defence against slow moving aerial targets, destruction of
enemy air defence operations, provide escort to heliborne
special operations, counter surface force operations,
anti-tank and scout duties.
It can be used effectively by paramilitary forces in
their anti-Maoist operations in Central India and by Army in
counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir and the
North East.
For that purpose, the LCH is armed with 20-mm turret gun,
air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, anti-radiation
missiles, 70-mm rockets, and cluster or iron bombs, defence
officials said.
It also has Nuclear-Biological-Chemical (NBC) attack
protection, electronic warfare suite and counter-measures when
it comes under enemy fire.
The chopper has advanced features such as night operation
capability, armour protection, a glass cockpit with tandem
seating for two pilots and stealth features.
The helicopter, powered by twin Shakti engines developed
by HAL in association with French Turbomeca, can achieve a top
speed of 268 kmph and has a range of 550 km with internal fuel
tanks. It can extend its range by another 250 km using drop
tanks, they said.
For enhanced survivability of both the aircraft and crew,
LCH would have a crash-worthy bottom structure, tail wheel
landing gear and pressurised cockpit with NBC filters.
Since LCH is based on a successful and proven Dhruv
design, the project cost of the combat helicopter is likely to
be as low as Rs 3.76 billion.
Prior to its maiden official flight, the LCH had done
about 25 rounds of trial flying in the Bangalore skies over
the last two months to prove the effectiveness of its systems.
PTI NCB
MYR


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