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World Defense & Security Industry News - Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
 
 
India's indigenously-made HAL Light Combat Helicopter successfully completes performance trials
 
The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) completed performance trials paving way for finalization of basic configuration, the Indian aircraft manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) announced on Oct. 16, 2015. The Indian Defence Minister, Mr. Manohar Parrikar, visited HAL’s helicopter complex last Friday and had a detailed look on advanced features and armament fit of LCH prototypes.
     
India ndigenously made HAL Light Combat Helicopter successfully completes performance trials 640 001HAL Light Combat Helicopter
     
LCH is the only attack helicopter which can operate above 10000 – 12000 feet altitude with considerable load of armament”, said Mr. T. Suvarana Raju, CMD, HAL. Based on successful completion of remaining flight trials, HAL expects operational clearance from CEMILAC very soon.

Mr. G. Gouda, Officiating Chief Executive of CEMILAC (Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification) handed over a letter on completion of performance flight trials of LCH to Dr. M. Vijaya Kumar, General Manager, HAL in presence of Defence Minister and CMD, HAL.

LCH has completed performance flight trials which involved not only development testing at Bangalore but also trials at extreme environment conditions such as Sea Level at Chennai, Cold weather at Leh, Hot weather at Jodhpur and Hot & high altitude tests at Leh. Accordingly, the helicopter can be cleared for weapon trials. With the finalization of basic configuration, HAL can start production of LCH after the operational clearance.

The Indian Air Force ordered 64 LCHs as part of a $4bn contract signed with HAL in March 2011. The HAL LCH is equipped with electronic warfare systems and advanced weapons systems, such as a chin-mounted, twin-barrel M621 20mm cannon on a Nexter THL-20 turret and 70mm rockets. The helicopter is powered by two HAL/Turbomeca Shakti turboshaft engines, each of which can generate up to 871k. The LCH has a cruise speed of 260km/h and a max speed of 275km/h. It has a maximum service ceiling of 6,500 m.