Light Combat Helicopter Prachand:
The Indian Army’s Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand successfully carried out the inaugural firing of 70 mm rockets and 20 mm turret guns both day and night.
- Light Combat Helicopter Prachand is India’s first indigenous multi-role combat helicopter, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
- It is designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces operating in deserts and mountainous areas.
- The helicopter is fitted with Shakti Engine, which is co-developed by HAL and France’s Safran.
- The helicopter received operational clearance in 2017.
- It can fly at a maximum speed of 288 kmph and has a combat radius of 500 km, which can go up to a service ceiling of 21,000 feet.
- The helicopter can carry out activities such as Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Destruction of Enemy Air Defence (DEAD), operations against slow-moving aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs), high-altitude bunker busting operations, counter-insurgency operations in the jungle and urban environments, and provide support to ground forces.
- The helicopter will be equipped with Helina missiles, the air force version of which is called Dhruvastra.
