22-Jan-2010 18:58:11 By: Vineet Jain
HAL to flight test LCH prototype next month
Bangalore: State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) would fly the first prototype of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), in February, its chairman Ashok Nayak said today.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function, he said the first flight test was likely to take place on February two, when Defence Minister A K Antony visits the city.
This was the first attack helicopter to be designed indigenously and was tailor made for Indian Air Force's dedicated requirements, he said.
Apart from LCH, HAL had lined up a number of launches which includes, the Light Utility Helicopter, Turboprop Trainer, Multi-role-Transport Aircraft, Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft and the Indian Multi-role helicopter, Mr Nayak added.
The upgraded Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) produced by HAL, had already been inducted into IAF, he said adding the current batch had been upgraded by integrating several sensors and mission equipment to increase its effectiveness and survivability in hostile environment.
"These ALHs sport Shakti engines for high altitude operations upto six km altitude. Apart, it also had electronic warfare suite and electro optic sensor. Weapons were also being integrated into the helicopters which would be ready for delivery during next year", he added.
HAL to flight test LCH prototype next month
Bangalore: State-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) would fly the first prototype of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), in February, its chairman Ashok Nayak said today.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function, he said the first flight test was likely to take place on February two, when Defence Minister A K Antony visits the city.
This was the first attack helicopter to be designed indigenously and was tailor made for Indian Air Force's dedicated requirements, he said.
Apart from LCH, HAL had lined up a number of launches which includes, the Light Utility Helicopter, Turboprop Trainer, Multi-role-Transport Aircraft, Fifth Generation Fighter Aircraft and the Indian Multi-role helicopter, Mr Nayak added.
The upgraded Advance Light Helicopter (ALH) produced by HAL, had already been inducted into IAF, he said adding the current batch had been upgraded by integrating several sensors and mission equipment to increase its effectiveness and survivability in hostile environment.
"These ALHs sport Shakti engines for high altitude operations upto six km altitude. Apart, it also had electronic warfare suite and electro optic sensor. Weapons were also being integrated into the helicopters which would be ready for delivery during next year", he added.
