HAL to deliver three Light Combat Helicopters before March 31

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is scheduled to deliver the primary batch of three indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) to Army and Air Force before March 31, a defence official stated. They are a part of the 15 Limited Series Production (LSP) LCH helicopters accepted by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC).

“HAL has received the Letter of Intent from Army and Air Force. Once the order is given, it will deliver the remaining 12 helicopters of the LSP in the next financial year,” the supply stated.

Early this month, the Defence Ministry stated in its annual report the contracts for the procurement of the LCH from HAL, further Harop (P-IV) loitering drones from Israel and improve of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV) in service are “likely to be signed in the first quarter of 2021”.

The Army variant of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), which has accomplished all checks and in addition demonstrated its high-altitude functionality in scorching and excessive climate situations final September, is scheduled to obtain its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) on the Aero India. “The Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 12 LUH from DAC is also in the pipeline,” the official stated. HAL can be planning to develop a civilian model of the LUH.

With a spread of helicopters within the smaller vary, HAL is engaged on a 12-tonne Indian Multi-Role Helicopter (IMRH) as a substitute for the MI-17 helicopters in service. The Army and the Air Force are understanding the Service Quality Requirements (SQR), the supply stated.

The LCH and the LUCH together with the weaponised Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) can be showcased contained in the Indian pavilion at Aero India to showcase the vary of indigenous improvement.

The LUH is a three-tonne helicopter positioned as substitute for the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. According to HAL, it’s able to flying at 220 kmph, service ceiling of 6.5 km and a spread of 350 km with 500 kg payload.