Watch: IAF's Apache-like Made in India Light Combat Helicopter

After Apache and Chinook helicopters, Indian Air Force (IAF) will get the new killer machine indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) next month. The advanced chopper, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL), will be inducted during a ceremony on October 3, near the Pakistan border at Jodhpur Air Base, Rajasthan.

IAF released a teaser video of the LCH on its official twitter handle with a caption "Coming soon to an IAF base near you in the Western sector."



According to the reports, 10 LCHs will be inducted in the first batch completing one unit. Government had approved procurement of 15 LCH this year from HAL. Out of the 15 choppers, the IAF will get 10 while Indian Army will get five.

The LCH is equipped with Shakti engine developed by HAL in collaboration with French engine-maker Safran. The main strength of this Apache-looking helicopter is that it can operate at an altitude of up to 20,000 feet.

This LCH is a lot like the recently purchased Apache helicopters from the US. However, since it has a lower carrying capacity and take-off load, it makes it ideal for high-altitude combat areas like Siachen or Ladakh. But at 700 Kg of weapon-carrying capacity, it is less than that of an Apache.

The LCH also has great state-of-the-art stealth characteristics due to its low frontal radar cross-sections. Even if it gets attacked by any missile, it can still avoid being hit. Its body is protected so that firing won't have a noticeable impact on it. The rotors won't even be impacted by the bullet.

LCH is the only attack helicopter in the world in its class that can take off and land at high altitudes loaded with weapons and fuel.

The IAF operates the older Russian Mi-25 and Mi-35 attack helicopters, of which one squadron has been phased out following the induction of 22 Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters. The Indian Army plans to acquire 95 LCHs of which seven units, each having 10 helicopters, are planned to be deployed for combat role in the mountains. The LCH is the first dedicated attack helicopter of the Army, which otherwise operates 75 Rudra helicopters,