New Delhi: In a move to boost the combat prowess of Indian Air Force, the first batch of indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) named ‘Prachand’ was inducted into IAF today.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled the name of the Light Combat Helicopter as Prachand at a ceremony in Jodhpur.
The Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) are primarily designed for deployment in high-altitude regions.
It was inducted at a ceremony in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
It is equipped with requisite 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 Defence (DEAD), Counter Insurgency (CI) operations, against slow-moving aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs), high altitude bunker busting operations, Counter Insurgency operations in jungle and urban environments and support to ground forces and would be a potent platform to meet the operational requirements of Indian Air Force & Indian Army, an official statement said.
These helicopters are proposed to meet IAF’s requirement of a dedicated light helicopter for combat operations. It has maximum possible commonality with ALH.
LCH with a narrow fuselage has pilot and co-pilot/gunner in tandem configuration incorporating a number of stealth features, Armour protection, Night attack capability and crash worthy landing gear for better survivability, the statement read.
