Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) has commenced production of the initial 15 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) for the Indian army.
At a ceremony at HAL's helicopter production centre in Bengaluru, minister of finance, defence and corporate affairs Arun Jaitley oversaw the launch of LCH production.
The 5.8t LCH is designed with twin-tandem cockpits, a bearingless tail rotor, glass cockpit, 20mm gun in a chin turret, 70mm rockets, air-to-air missiles, and an electro-optical targeting pod. Survivability features include ballistics protection and features that minimise its visual, aural, radar, and infrared signatures.
HAL is expected to supply up to 114 LCHs to the Indian army.
Source: FlightGlobal.com
