IAF to raise first LCH squadron at Jodhpur in October

Source: The post is based on the article “IAF to raise first LCH squadron at Jodhpur in October” published in The Hindu on 30th August 2022.

What is the News?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to formally raise its first unit of indigenous Light Combat Helicopters(LCHs) in Jodhpur in the first week of October.

What are Light Combat Helicopters(LCHs)?

Light Combat Helicopter(LCH) is an Indian multi-role attack helicopter designed and manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited(HAL). 

The LCH has been ordered by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Army.

Features: LCH has several stealth features and has armour protection, night attack capability, and crash-worthy landing gear to give it better survivability.

It is powered by two Shakti engines and has a maximum take-off weight of 5,800 kg. 

With a maximum speed of 268 km per hour ,it has a range of 550 km.

Armed with air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, LCH also has a 20 mm gun and 70 mm rockets. 

What are the roles LCH can perform?

The LCH is well suited for anti-tank role wherein it can fly low and fast to attack enemy armour columns and destroy them.

It is also suitable for scout roles wherein it can fly ahead of advancing columns of the Army and detect enemy presence. 

It is also suitable for air defence roles and destruction of enemy air defence assets. It can also be used in urban warfare missions and combat search and rescue operations.