HAL's LCH inches closer to certification; Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar takes a detailed look

BENGALURU: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Friday visited HAL's helicopter complex to have a detailed look on advanced features and armanent fit of Light Combat Helicopter ( LCH) prototypes, as the chopper inches closer to certification.

"LCH is the only attack helicopter which can operate above 10000 – 12000 feet altitude with considerable load of armament", said T Suvarana Raju, CMD, HAL. Based on successful completion of remaining flight trials, HAL expects operational clearance from CEMILAC very soon.

LCH has completed performance trials paving way for finalization of basic configuration.

Also read: HAL's LCH: Made in India combat helicopter eyes weapon firing trials

"LCH has completed performance flight trials which involved not only development testing at Bangalore but also trials at extreme environment conditions such as Sea Level at Chennai, Cold weather at Leh, Hot weather at Jodhpur and Hot & high altitude tests at Leh. Accordingly, the helicopter can be cleared for weapon trials. With the finalization of basic configuration, HAL can start production of LCH after the operational clearance," HAL press release said.

G. Gouda, Officiating Chief Executive of CEMILAC (Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification) handed over a letter on completion of performance flight trials of LCH to Dr. M. Vijaya Kumar, General Manager, HAL in presence of Defence Minister and CMD, HAL.



(In pic: Mr. G. Gouda, Officiating Chief Executive of CEMILAC (Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification) handing over a letter on completion of performance flight trials of LCH to Dr. M. Vijaya Kumar (right), General Manager, HAL.
The LCH is a twin-engine helicopter of 5.8-ton class designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to meet the requirements of Indian defence forces. LCH was proposed to meet IAF's requirement of a dedicated light helicopter for combat operations.