Production launched of HAL’s 5.8-ton Light Combat Helicopter

Arun Jaitley, Minister of Finance, Defence and Corporate Affairs, declared the launch of production of an Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)-designed 5.8 ton category Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) and dedicated HAL’s role-changer design upgrade program of Hawk-i to the nation in HAL premises on Aug. 26. Senior officials from the Ministry of Defence, Indian Air Force and HAL were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Jaitely hailed HAL’s confidence in bringing Hawk-i and LCH indigenously. He said DPSU’s work culture and performance have the highest standards of professionalism. “We are moving in the right direction in evolving ourselves into a major manufacturing hub,” he said. “In this context, today’s [Aug. 26] experience has been encouraging.”

HAL’s Rotary-Wing Research and Design Centre (RWRDC) designed the LCH, whereas the Mission & Combat System R&D Centre (MCSRDC) designed the Hawk-I in association with the aircraft division.

The basic version of LCH has been cleared by the Center for Military Airworthiness and Certification (CEMILAC). The DAC has accorded approval for procurement of 15 LCH from HAL under the IDDM category. Accordingly, the production has now been launched.

HAL designed the twin-engine Light Combat Helicopter featuring narrow fuselage and tandem configuration for pilot and co-pilot/weapon system operator. The helicopter has indigenous state-of-the-art technologies such as integrated dynamic system, bearing-less tail rotor, anti-resonance vibration isolation system, crash-worthy landing gear, smart glass cockpit, hinge less main rotor, armor protection and stealth features from visual, aural, radar and IR signatures.

The helicopter is equipped with a 20-millimeter Turret gun, 70-millimeter Rocket, air-to-air missile, EO-Pod and helmet pointing system. The helicopter can carry out operational roles under extreme weather conditions at different altitudes from sea level, hot weather desert, cold weather and Himalayan altitudes.

The LCH has demonstrated capability to land and take off from Siachen Range with considerable load, fuel and weapons that are beyond any other combat helicopter.

HAL produced its 100th Hawk jet trainer aircraft with designation as Hawk-i; (Hawk-India). HAL took up the indigenous role change development program to convert the jet trainer into a combat-ready platform. The aircraft is upgraded with indigenously designed avionics hardware, software and system architecture enhancing operational role from a trainer aircraft into a combat-ready platform with improved quality and depth of training by Large Force Engagement (LFE) tactics through electronic virtual training system (EVTS).

Hawk-i is capable of delivering precision munitions including air-to-ground and close combat weapons, self-defense capabilities through electronic warfare (EW) systems, digital map generator and operational reliability through new dual hot stand-by mission computer avionics architecture supported by indigenous high accuracy and a high altitude radio altimeter, IFF MKXII, data transfer system, CMDS and RWR.

The aircraft was flown during the 2017 Aero India at Bangalore with a lot of appreciation from users. The integration of indigenous HUD, RLG-based INS and anti-airfield missile is in advance stage.

Ashok Kumar Gupta, Secretary (Defence Production), outlined the contributions made by Defence PSUS. T. Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL, in his welcome address said maintaining its excellent track record; HAL has come up with two new products that would strengthen India’s defense services.