HAL to supply 12 light utility helicopters to armed forces

The Army is looking to acquire 11 more Apache attack helicopters and light utility helicopters.

Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) has received the Letter of Intent from the Services for manufacturing light utility helicopters (LUHs).
The Army raised its first LCH squadron in Bengaluru, which will move to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The Army is also negotiating to acquire more Apache AH64E attack helicopters from the U.S.
The Cabinet Committee on Security earlier gave sanctions for procuring 39 AH64 Apache attack helicopters from the U.S.

LUH is designed and developed as a replacement for Cheetah & Chetak helicopters which are being operated by Indian Armed forces.
LUH is a new generation helicopter in the 3-Ton class incorporating the state of the art technology features like a Glass cockpit with Multi-Function Displays (MFD).
A single Turbo Shaft engine powers it.
The helicopter will be capable of flying at 220 Kmph, service ceiling of 6.5 Km and a range of 350 Km with a 500 kg payload.
The LUH can operate at 20,000ft above sea level.

The LCH was proposed to meet IAF’s requirement of a dedicated light helicopter for combat operations.
The significant features of LCH are:

Apache AH-64E is a multi-role attack Helicopter built by USA’s Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS).
It has been a mainstay of the United States Armed Forces for decades, and it continues to be so currently as well.
Indian Airforce, in 2010 had ordered 22 Apache AH64Es and received the first one in 2019.
In India, they are manufactured by Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL), a collaboration between the Tata group of Companies and Boeing, with 90% of parts sourced from Indian suppliers.

Content Source: The Hindu

Image Courtesy: The Hindu and freepik