Defence officials have stated that the first batch of three indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) will be delivered by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to Army and Air Force before March 31.
LCH helicopters approved by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) are a part of the 15 Limited Series Production (LSP).
A report states that HAL received the Letter of Intent from Army and Air Force. After giving the order, it’ll deliver the remaining 12 helicopters of the LSP in the next financial year.
Earlier this month, the defence ministry said that contracts for the following are likely to be signed in the first quarter of 2021: LCH from HAL, additional Harop (P-IV) drones from Israel along with an upgrade of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAV) in service.
Besides this, the Army variant of the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) is scheduled to receive its Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) at Aero India. It completed all tests and also demonstrated its high-altitude capability in hot and high weather conditions in September 2020.
According to HAL, LUH is a three-tonne helicopter which will be placed as a replacement for the Cheetah and Chetak helicopters. It has the capability of flying at 220 kmph, along with a service ceiling of 6.5 km with a range of 350 km and 500 kg payload.
Aero India will be showcasing the LCH and the LUCH along with the weaponised Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) inside the Indian pavilion.
