Light Combat Helicopter: News & Discussion: 10 August 2020

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 08 Sep 2021 01:36

https://twitter.com/SJha1618/status/136 ... 07043?s=20 ---> Interestingly, in 2019 Australia submitted a request for information to HAL for combat helicopters i.e. the Light Combat Helicopter. Apparently, it was responded to.

Image: Light Combat Helicopter at DBO.

https://twitter.com/Alfa20195/status/13 ... 99841?s=20 ---> They're planning to replace Tiger Attack Helicopter.

https://twitter.com/prashantricoche/sta ... 77313?s=20 ---> Australia is going for Apaches.

Rupesh · Post by **Rupesh** » 08 Sep 2021 03:59

Rakesh wrote:https://twitter.com/TheWolfpackIN/statu ... 58336?s=20 ---> Report: HAL has already supplied three LCHs to the IAF. The first LCH for the army was completed last month. By the end of 2021, a total of 10 LCHs will be delivered to IAF + Army.

If no orders are placed by next year, then the production line will go idle. There will be further delays to get it recertified. Atleast a couple of dozen orders should be placed to keep production going.

nachiket · Post by **nachiket** » 08 Sep 2021 04:16

So HAL is basically donating these helos to the services for free, since they have no contract yet? It is simply unpardonable what the MoD has done with the LCH. The order HAL is waiting for is a measly 15 and yet they have delayed this for over a year (two?). Even the situation in Ladakh hasn't made in difference even though all kinds of deals have been signed for "emergency procurement" with foreign vendors.

pushkar.bhat · Post by **pushkar.bhat** » 20 Sep 2021 23:59

RUDRA OR LCH — Desi Rivalry?

Seems LCH is not getting ordered in quantity because it faces internal competition from the Rudra - Do we really have a problem where we are spoilt for choice?

sankum · Post by **sankum** » 21 Sep 2021 00:06

The IA order is for 78 Rudra of which 2 have crashed and IAF order is for 16 Rudras.
IA will buy 97 LCH and IAF 65 LCH.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 21 Sep 2021 08:26

pushkar.bhat wrote:RUDRA OR LCH — Desi Rivalry?

Seems LCH is not getting ordered in quantity because it faces internal competition from the Rudra - Do we really have a problem where we are spoilt for choice?

Other than human resource issue. I don't think any challenges exist for LCH.

Because Rudra can be flown by any pilot who is certified for Dhruv. But the same might not be true in case of LCH.

Prem Kumar · Post by **Prem Kumar** » 21 Sep 2021 13:36

A boot in the rear of some jernails is what is required. One doesn't get the impression that they are actually planning to win a war. I don't see them raise a stinker that they're critically short of a key equipment. Such bloviating seems reserved only for imports. They're happy sipping vodka, hoping that the MEA babus will chai-biskoot their way out of any conflict

SinghS · Post by **SinghS** » 21 Sep 2021 18:28

If generals are the culprit, why the IAF is not taking the lead to order? Sir, the issue seems to be something else. LCH is down in the priority list, with available funds going towards most essential....I presume.

jamwal · Post by **jamwal** » 21 Sep 2021 19:19

If a war starts on LoC and Laddakh, then what will India use to provide CAS and long distance anti-armour firepower to its ground troops? Fixed wing aircraft can't provide same type of support. Requirement for LCH was felt in 1999 and the program was started keeping these needs in mind. Rudra is not a optimised attack helicopter and not an alternative to LCH.

brar_w · Post by **brar_w** » 21 Sep 2021 19:32

Rakesh wrote:
https://twitter.com/prashantricoche/sta ... 77313?s=20 ---> Australia is going for Apaches.

[

Australia's attack helicopter use is practically 100% meant to support its expeditionary operations. In that case, the most valuable thing for it would be to be able to share weapons, maintenance, spares and other supply with others it may have deployed with. That was one benefit to it for replacing the Tigers (not very widely used in its region) with AH-64. Once FARA becomes operational, they will likely transition to it just like the US Army will transition some of its AH-64E units over to the smaller FARA once its ready.

Vivek K · Post by **Vivek K** » 21 Sep 2021 20:23

Prem Kumar wrote:A boot in the rear of some jernails is what is required. One doesn't get the impression that they are actually planning to win a war. I don't see them raise a stinker that they're critically short of a key equipment. Such bloviating seems reserved only for imports. They're happy sipping vodka, hoping that the MEA babus will chai-biskoot their way out of any conflict

It is very frustrating. While orders for Apaches are released instantaneously (in Military Terms), order for the homegrown LCH or the Arjun are tough. It is clear that IA Brass (not Jawans) does not want to support/defend Indian Jobs or the national economy.

BTW - can we get a good name for the LCH - drop the "L" - Asoka Combat Helicopter or Samrat Combat Helicopter, or Shiva Combat Helicopter...... Recommend we refer to the machine as HAL Combat Helicopter (HCH) if a name is not forthcoming.

ArjunPandit · Post by **ArjunPandit** » 21 Sep 2021 20:47

^^all the more disappointing with this govt..i could have understood with congress govt..not that it was justified...

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 22 Sep 2021 03:42

Vivek K wrote:BTW - can we get a good name for the LCH - drop the "L" - Asoka Combat Helicopter or Samrat Combat Helicopter, or Shiva Combat Helicopter...... Recommend we refer to the machine as HAL Combat Helicopter (HCH) if a name is not forthcoming.

I could be wrong, but I believe HVT Sir put out a tweet asking for a name suggestion of the LCH. Not sure what came of that.

Vivek K · Post by **Vivek K** » 22 Sep 2021 04:46

Just need to remove the L

nachiket · Post by **nachiket** » 22 Sep 2021 04:56

Vivek K wrote:Just need to remove the L

LCH/LCA are just the names of the respective programs. Like the Lightweight Fighter Program of the USAF which produced the F-16. People have just been lazy in naming the finished product in the case of the LCH unfortunately. Eventually its real name will catch on just like Tejas, Dhruv and Rudra did. No point in retroactively renaming the program now after it has already concluded (save for orders).

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 23 Sep 2021 01:03

https://twitter.com/hvtiaf/status/14407 ... 12109?s=20 ---> Top Shot

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Oct 2021 21:35

Art Work

https://twitter.com/i_m_satwikk/status/ ... 71109?s=20 ----> LCH with Rocket Pods and Dhruvastra ATGM.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 10 Oct 2021 22:23

https://twitter.com/blueskiespod1/statu ... 87526?s=20 ---> New episode: Brigaider Amardeep Sidhu, one of the Army's first Experimental Test Pilots, participated extensively in the flight test program for the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv, and it's weaponized variant, the Rudra.

https://twitter.com/blueskiespod1/statu ... 87526?s=20 ---> True inspiring conversation with Brigadier Sidhu, whom @prganapathy calls @abhilashtomy of aviation for his feats with the Pushpak. An army aviator who led induction of the 1st indigenous helo ALH, a test pilot/instructor & a cancer fighter. A worthy value add to my Sunday jog.

Link to the podcast ---> https://blueskiespodcast.com/

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 24 Oct 2021 20:30

VIDEO. Please click on link below...

https://twitter.com/RafaleKaDriver/stat ... 18144?s=20 ---> Light Combat Helicopter Cockpit View.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 24 Oct 2021 20:41

https://twitter.com/RafaleKaDriver/stat ... 67425?s=20 ---> LCH Cockpit. Photographs @/kaykay_rai

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 29 Oct 2021 02:35

https://twitter.com/gaur_av_iation/stat ... 42568?s=20 ---> LCH LSP on the move!

Atmavik · Post by **Atmavik** » 29 Oct 2021 07:39

Rakesh wrote: https://twitter.com/gaur_av_iation/stat ... 42568?s=20 ---> LCH LSP on the move!

Nitin Gokhale made a series of excellent videos of his visit to trip to arunachal. Watching it I could not help but dream of seeing LCHs in the dark green dhruv camo.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 29 Oct 2021 19:56

https://twitter.com/DefenceDecode/statu ... 43300?s=20 ---> LSP variant of the IAF's multi-role attack helicopter, LCH.

Avinandan · Post by **Avinandan** » 30 Oct 2021 16:18

The bump housing the wiper blades mechanism is an eyesore IMHO

andy B · Post by **andy B** » 07 Nov 2021 23:32

Cross posting....apologies posted in wrong thread before!! Hot damn this is gorgeous. One of the IA LSPs caught out. Grainy image aside this bird looks stunning in that IA camo! Reallt hoping to see a lot more!

https://twitter.com/Raghav_kidambi/stat ... 18785?s=20

sajaym · Post by **sajaym** » 08 Nov 2021 18:33

andy B wrote:...

If I'm not mistaken, this is a camo for hilly regions. A very North East looking camo. I remember seeing some Bhutanese or Nepalese DHUV in a similar camo, many years ago.

sankum · Post by **sankum** » 11 Nov 2021 18:11

ttp://www.aeromag.in/Magazines/1485945166.pdf

R Madhavan
CMD, HAL interview

Production and delivery
of 15 LSP helicopters is planned for
completion by 2022-23, subject to receipt
of the order.
Requirement of balance 145 helicopters
will be made in Series Production.

ashishvikas · Post by **ashishvikas** » 15 Nov 2021 20:57

Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi will preside over the handing over ceremony of the first Light Combat Helicopter to the Indian Air Force at Jhansi, on 19 November 2021

https://twitter.com/delhidefence/status ... 86080?s=20

Vivek K · Post by **Vivek K** » 16 Nov 2021 01:38

Nice! That should draw attention to the program!!

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 16 Nov 2021 17:30

https://twitter.com/rahulsinghx/status/ ... 01665?s=20 ---> Self-reliance boost & focus. In Feb, the Prime Minister handed over a prototype of the Arjun Mk-1A tank to army chief General Naravane.

Pratyush · Post by **Pratyush** » 18 Nov 2021 15:49

X posting from LCH dhaga.

Vivek K wrote:With orders for LCH not released and HAL building 15 from its own pocket, they need funding support to help support the nation. Funds for MK2 fabrication should be released ASAP.

I have not really understood the LCH order issue. Because IIRC, the line was commissioned by then RM Arun Jetly. The plan was to build 15 low rate production machines. With the expectation that the orders will be placed later and enhanced. Why was this done the way it was?

YashG · Post by **YashG** » 18 Nov 2021 22:16

Vivek K wrote:Nice! That should draw attention to the program!!

Whose attention should LCH draw in order to get orders placed. Apparently it already has Modi's attention and yet no orders. When we can produce more than 15 helicopters per year, why are we not making them. We need this machine.

bharathp · Post by **bharathp** » 18 Nov 2021 22:43

rani lakshmi bhai (jhansi)'s birth annniversary on Nov 19th - perhaps a naming of LCH in the offing?
Sarang was one og the horses that the Rani of Jhansi trained with.

also - an acknowledgement going to the pre-gandhi era of independece movement. which until now was spoonfed into the school kids (we got independence only cos of gandhi).

I am hoping this event will lead to serious questions of "when will we get more orders" and maybe a schedule plan of induction.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 18 Nov 2021 22:48

bharathp wrote:rani lakshmi bhai (jhansi)'s birth annniversary on Nov 19th - perhaps a naming of LCH in the offing?
Sarang was one og the horses that the Rani of Jhansi trained with.

She reportedly had three horses - Sarangi, Pavan and Baadal.

I like Pavan. Means 'purifying' or 'wind'. Apt name for the LCH.

Before I get scolded for digressing the thread, I will stop here.

Vivek K · Post by **Vivek K** » 19 Nov 2021 02:11

How about Asoka? Or some terrifying name! No Pavan or Tejas or such wimpy names place!

Prem Kumar · Post by **Prem Kumar** » 19 Nov 2021 15:16

PM Modi hands over 1st LCH to IAF.

A sensible article from Shiv Aroor, arguing why all hesitation must stop and the Armed Forces must place a BIG order for LCH - now!

Time To Kill Hesitancy On The Light Combat Helicopter
https://www.livefistdefence.com/time-to ... elicopter/

ks_sachin · Post by **ks_sachin** » 19 Nov 2021 15:52

YashG wrote:
Vivek K wrote:Nice! That should draw attention to the program!!
Whose attention should LCH draw in order to get orders placed. Apparently it already has Modi's attention and yet no orders. When we can produce more than 15 helicopters per year, why are we not making them. We need this machine.

Modi’s attention?
He has other things to do then think about the LCH.
Just cause he attends this event means little as this has to do with optics. That is how the this works..

ShivS · Post by **ShivS** » 19 Nov 2021 16:17

Delay in induction in strength was budget related. The last 5/6 years have seen the kind of capex in the IAF that is unique (over Rs.40,000 Cr a year on average between FY 17 and FY 22).

Acquisitions had to be prioritised - that process meant the LCH got pushed back.

FY 24 onwards the budget will open up once again.

Rakesh · Post by **Rakesh** » 19 Nov 2021 20:49

https://twitter.com/BahadurManmohan/sta ... 22496?s=20 ---> There is NO helicopter in the world that can deliver armament at 15k feet. Have been writing since 2012, when I first flew it, that we must go full bore for LCH. Good, it's officially inducted - let's ensure all promised weaponry & avionics come-in.

KSingh · Post by **KSingh** » 19 Nov 2021 21:03

Prem Kumar wrote:PM Modi hands over 1st LCH to IAF.

A sensible article from Shiv Aroor, arguing why all hesitation must stop and the Armed Forces must place a BIG order for LCH - now!

Time To Kill Hesitancy On The Light Combat Helicopter
https://www.livefistdefence.com/time-to ... elicopter/

It's not going to happen is it?

I cannot think of another instance when the Indian armed forces have been handed over equipment without a single penny paid or contract signed.

Even today the 15 LSP that HAL commenced production of in Aug 2017 haven't been ordered by the IA/IAF, a couple this year, maybe the rest next year then what?

HAL say they can make 30 LCH/year, that's not going to happen without serious orders. LSP deliveries complete next year let's say, then 2-3 years for further evaluations, then how long before large orders are given (if they come)? At this rate there will be less than 40 LCH in service come 2030.

IA/IAF keep saying they have requirements for 100s but won't even commit to 1 unit.