IAF inducts indigenously-developed Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand’

To boost our defence capabilities, the Indian Air Force on Monday inducted the first batch of indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters, named Prachand, which are capable of firing a range of missiles and other weapons.

What are the features of Prachant Light Combat Helicopter?

• The Prachand is a 5.8-ton, Low Observable (LO) design with reduced visual, aural, radar, and infrared (IR) signatures.
• It features canted panels for lower radar cross section and an IR suppressor for low IR signature.
• The helicopter has a maximum speed of 275 kmph (148kt).
• The helicopter has a combat radius of 500 kilometers and is capable of high-altitude warfare with an operational ceiling of 16,000 to 18,000 feet (5,490 meters).

Who has designed and developed Prachand?

The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), has been primarily designed for deployment in high-altitude regions.

Where Prachand helicopter was inducted ?

It was inducted into the IAF at a ceremony in Jodhpur in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.

Which other helicopters we have, how prachand is different from them?

While India have the American Apache chopper as well, which is larger than this and perhaps more capable, Prachand fulfils a specific role, particularly in very high altitude operations where it can carry a significant payload. The design of the chopper is entirely Indian. The integration is Indian, and it fulfils an Indian requirement.

The LCH has similarities with Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv. It has a number of stealth features, armoured-protection systems, night attack capability and crash-worthy landing gear for better survivability. It is equipped with requisite agility, manoeuvrability, extended range, high altitude performance and all-weather combat capability to perform a range of roles including combat search and rescue (CSAR), destruction of enemy air defence (DEAD) and counter-insurgency (CI) operations.

Where Prachand has been already tested?

The chopper has been tested over Ladakh. It can take out Chinese drones with air-to-air missiles. It can also take out tanks on the ground using air to surface anti tank munitions.

How many prachand helicopters are planned to be inducted in the armed forces?

95 of these choppers will go to the Indian Army. A handful has already entered the service. Approximately 65 will go to the Indian Air Force as well. The present project cost is around 3500 crore rupees.

What operations can Prachand will carry out?

The helicopter can be deployed in high-altitude bunker-busting operations, counter-insurgency operations in the jungles and urban environments, as well as for supporting ground forces.

The helicopter can also be used against slow-moving aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) of adversaries.

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