HAL LCH helicopter - development history, photos, technical data

HAL LCH
2005

Mockup of HAL's projected light attack helicopter

TYPE: Attack helicopter.

PROGRAMME: Derivative of Dhruv; displayed in model form at Paris Air Show, June 2001 as LAH (light attack helicopter) proposal, but was restyled LCH, signifying light combat. Original slimmed-down 'gunship' fuselage now discarded and basic Dhruv airframc retained except for forward fuselage modified to tandem crew seating. Officially launched 5 February 2003 and replaces earlier LOH programme, which now to be met by foreign design. LCH scheduled to fly in 2005; intended to augment, and eventually replace Indian Air Force Mi-35 fleet.

DESIGN FEATURES: Generally as for Dhruv except for modified nose section with tandern crew seating. Four-blade hingeless main rotor with swept blade tips. Intended for anti-tank, close air support, air-to-air combat and scout roles.

STRUCTURE: Extensive use of composites to reduce radar signature.

LANDING GEAR: Non-retractable and crashworthy tricycle type.

POWER PLANT: Two 895kW Turbomeca/HAL TM333-2C2 Ardiden 1H turboshafts (Indian name Shakii) with FADEC, derated to 798kW.

ACCOMMODATION: Crew of two in tandem; ergonomic cockpit.

SYSTEMS: Four-axis autostabilisation system; anti-resonance isolation system (ARIS).

AVIONICS: Instrumentation: Dual MFDs in each cockpit.
Mission: FLIR, TV and laser range-finder/designator; helmet-mounted sights.
Self-defence: Radar and laser warning receivers; MAWS; chaff/flare dispenser.

ARMAMENT: Undernose 20mm cannon. Stub-wing hardpoinls for ASMs, AAMs or rocket launchers.

Jane's All the World's Aircraft, 2004-2005

Technical data for HAL LCH

Main rotor diameter: 13.20m, length overall, rotors turning: 15.86m, fuselage length: 13.94m, height to top of rotor head: 5.27m, stub-wing span: 4.43m, max. take-off weight: 5,500kg, empty weight: 3,243kg, never-exceed speed: 330km/h, max cruising speed: 280km/h, service ceiling: 6,500m, range with standard fuel: 700km

Comments

Wasa, 29.12.2007

If India can finish it to input in fighting parts that it there will be a first country of region having the fighting helicopter of own development

XxX, sidharth(@)zapak.com, 31.08.2007

i was waiting for an atttak helichopter from india
hope they can catch up with the american appachi and camanchi

Sanjay Choudhry, sanjaychoudhry(@)hotmail.com, 22.08.2007

Dude Krishna, Dhruv is not an attack helicopter. It is a transport and utility helicopter that has been weaponised so that it can insert troops in hostile areas. That is all. It is not a combat helicopter.

vamsi krishna, avbmk(@)yahoo.co.in, 19.08.2007

indian concept is exllent,if they leave the cpoying mentality.even dhruv frame resembels the famous mil 24. the missile pods are like temporary. sure it lacs the main menuverability because of its bulky frame.till now i have never seen a attack helicopters body frame like that.

wasim, was.2007(@)yahoo.com, 14.06.2007

I think this Hellicopter would be a good machine,as for the avionics then i bet Indians are quite cool about their avionics.
And one thing which i would not like to omit is that this hellicopter is going to have some stealthy features(as read in its specifications) is going to be a huge factor and who can forget that this machine is capable of carrying operations in siachen and thar desert.

Do you have any comments concerning this aircraft ?

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