LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
^^^Shiv garu, the Mi-17 flying around HAL Airport has been a regular phenomenon (can't speak for last couple of months). But used to see it from my office quite regularly, like the AN-32 sorties.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
In fact I have not seen it much recently - although I used to see it regularly. But last week it was roving around serving as eye candy for mil aviation freaks like me. The white Helo academy Chetak was my golf mascot - and would always be overhead while I made my standard bad shots. Haven't seen the LCH around recently though - except for once far away.rohitvats wrote:^^^Shiv garu, the Mi-17 flying around HAL Airport has been a regular phenomenon (can't speak for last couple of months). But used to see it from my office quite regularly, like the AN-32 sorties.
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Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Hari Nairji,
We have the Sarang display team with the Dhruv which puts up some spectacular routines (I saw the routine in the last Aero India, it was fantastic). The question I have is , Are the Dhruvs capable of doing a loop (there are videos of heavier helicopters with everyday workman roles doing it), not that it probably matters for the Dhruv, maybe for ALH, that kind of fixed wing like maneuverability might be needed.
We have the Sarang display team with the Dhruv which puts up some spectacular routines (I saw the routine in the last Aero India, it was fantastic). The question I have is , Are the Dhruvs capable of doing a loop (there are videos of heavier helicopters with everyday workman roles doing it), not that it probably matters for the Dhruv, maybe for ALH, that kind of fixed wing like maneuverability might be needed.
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Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
This month's IEEE spectrum too has lot of coverage on this: http://spectrum.ieee.org/aerospace/avia ... r-on-earthchetak wrote:http://www.economist.com/node/16990748
Faster helicopters
More rotors, more speed
A new type of helicopter breaks speed records
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Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
'Indian' Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter gets Italian makeover
...But now it emerges that the Dhruv is struggling with a serious problem. The army, which was to be supplied 20 Dhruvs last year, refused to accept any until HAL fixed a problem that was restricting the Dhruv’s cruising speed to 250 kilometers per hour, significantly short of the 270 kmph that HAL specifications promise. Unable to find a cure, HAL has brought in a consultant: Italian aerospace propulsion major, Avio.
India’s military sets high store by the Dhruv’s engine power; the helicopter must operate from tiny landing grounds at 6,500 meters (about 21,000 feet), which is the altitude of Sonam Post, India’s highest helipad on the Siachen Glacier. But even after paying French engine-maker, Turbomeca, Rs 1,000 crore to design the Shakti engine —- a superb performer at high altitudes —- the Dhruv’s Integrated Dynamic System, or IDS, which transfers power from the Shakti engines to the helicopter rotors, is not performing optimally. That, say HAL engineers, has reduced speed, high-altitude capability, and the life of the IDS.
The Italian consultants will now scrutinise the Dhruv’s IDS to diagnose the problem. Avio will start by building a single HAL-designed IDS in Avio’s facilities in Italy, using their own materials and tools. They will then test-run this for 400-500 hours; if it works perfectly, it would be evident that the flaw lies in HAL’s manufacturing, rather than the IDS design. On the other hand, if the Avio-built IDS performs poorly during the test run, there is clearly a design problem. Avio will then redesign the IDS.
...
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Avio is also involved in some way into eurofighter program...they do the afterburner section of ej200.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
India to buy 139 military helicopters from Russia
The two countries had already signed a deal in 2008 for the delivery of 80 Mil Mi-17 helicopters, which can be used in both transport and combat roles. The Indian government has however ordered a further 59 aircraft.
a total value of up to 1.5 billion euros (1.9 billion dollars),
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
we have so few its not remotely funny. the 1st air cavalry div of us army in *vietnam era* deployed with 400+ helis alone. 1st airborne div went to iraq again with 400+.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
^^
Well, it gets really tiring to see every defence deal criticized just for the sake of it. Have you even bothered to compare the size and weight of Mi-17 to that of Dhruv? How many passengers can both of them carry? Is there a weaponized Dhruv available at present?
If you would have even bothered to give a cursory glance at the specs of both helicopters, you would have known that both of them are of different class with different roles.
Well, it gets really tiring to see every defence deal criticized just for the sake of it. Have you even bothered to compare the size and weight of Mi-17 to that of Dhruv? How many passengers can both of them carry? Is there a weaponized Dhruv available at present?
If you would have even bothered to give a cursory glance at the specs of both helicopters, you would have known that both of them are of different class with different roles.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Just trying to summarize the new choppers being procured for the services. Gurus correct if i am wrong.
139 - MI-17's
159 -ALH's
25 - Attack choppers
25 - Heavy Lift
180 - Light helicopters
175 - LCH
NAvy choppers -- ??
LOH -- ??
139 - MI-17's
159 -ALH's
25 - Attack choppers
25 - Heavy Lift
180 - Light helicopters
175 - LCH
NAvy choppers -- ??
LOH -- ??
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
The extra MI-17Vs appear to be the knee-jerk reaction to the Dragon's moves across the Himalayas.From various accounts,we put into storage two decades ago Indira's Op.Falcon,to build a huge infrastructure on the northern Himalayan borders with China .WE have suddenly woken upto the fact that while we slept,China just kept "rolling along" and like a magicians hat produced out of it the Tibet railway,the road link through Tibet to POK and a host of air and land bases for the PLA and PLAAF,where Chinese Flankers operate out of,as well as several tactical missile batteries,of which the Chinese have thousands of missiles,under command of local commanders requiring no nod from Beijing to launch them unlike India's supposed brakes on the 333rd missile regiment.
These reports also say that the BRO are severely hampered from completing their tasks because heavy eqpt. needed for teh job cannot be driven up the mountains and have to be air dropped by heavy lift helos of which we have but a few MI-26s,used for special missions.One presumes that the MI-17s will be able to lift the light artillery also required for the troops,providing the much needed helo logistic support.The speed with which these decisions are being made indicate that the GOI/MOD are truly worried about the situ perhaps due to info about Chinese intentions which may have come from diverse intel sources.
These reports also say that the BRO are severely hampered from completing their tasks because heavy eqpt. needed for teh job cannot be driven up the mountains and have to be air dropped by heavy lift helos of which we have but a few MI-26s,used for special missions.One presumes that the MI-17s will be able to lift the light artillery also required for the troops,providing the much needed helo logistic support.The speed with which these decisions are being made indicate that the GOI/MOD are truly worried about the situ perhaps due to info about Chinese intentions which may have come from diverse intel sources.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
The Week article states that BRO is borrowing Pawan Hans choppers for its job..thats how stretched IAF is in the medium lift side..One presumes that the MI-17s will be able to lift the light artillery also required for the troops,providing the much needed helo logistic support.The speed with which these decisions are being made indicate that the GOI/MOD are truly worried about the situ perhaps due to info about Chinese intentions which may have come from diverse intel sources.
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Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
I personally feel its because IAF is considered the sole operator of such medium heli's... If the army, BSF or any force that operates in the region in numbers, apart from IAF, can get about 25 medium heli's(~2.5 squadrons), they could probably handle things on their end... The IAF can pitch in where they can make themselves more usefull... In assisting the infrastructure development projects, etc...
Just my 2 cents...
Just my 2 cents...
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Pardon me, but what exactly do we need to learn from Denel (Atlas Aviation) in the field of gunships ? They used a Turbomeca engine, they used the basic Puma airframe and modified it to that of the Rooivalk, they used the Puma's gearbox, transmission and blades, so what exactly is it that they can give inputs on that HAL or a DRDO lab doesn't already know ?viktor wrote: Sorry to interrupt ongoing discussion, but I had this question in mind and feel that some guru will be able to answer it.
From what I understand, Denel has shutdown AH-2 Rooivalk project after supplying South African AF with just 12 birds. Denel has stopped the funding but they would still have the tech. Why can't we take their inputs for LCH project? Moreover we can rope in Mokopa for the work they have done on ZT-6 ATGM. I know Rooivalk is a heavier helo that LCH but it would save us lot of trouble and build relationship between our industries. I understand that Denel is blacklisted, but there are always loopholes in govt. policy.
The Rooivalk itself was a bad choice mainly because it was just too large and complex..it ended up being an Apache class gunship, but obviously South Africa couldn't match the US in terms of political backing for sales and added to that was Denel's poor financial state at that time. It was costly, did not meet timelines or budget, and only 12 were produced, which are pretty much outdated in terms of on-board avionics, computers and so on. The only real chance that Denel had of the Rooivalk ever becoming a modern gunship with some modicum of success was if it won the Turkish attack helicopter contest, but with Agusta winning that with the T129 Mangusta version, those hopes faded too.
BTW, Mokopa is the name of the ZT-6, not a company. the ZT-6 Mokopa was itself developed by Denel. There is already a HELINA version of the Nag being developed in India..Gp Cpt Hari Nair may be able to throw more light on its development and how many the LCH will carry.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Indian army by early 20's will havevishnu.nv wrote
Just trying to summarize the new choppers being procured for the services. Gurus correct if i am wrong.
139 - MI-17's
159 -ALH's
25 - Attack choppers
25 - Heavy Lift
180 - Light helicopters
175 - LCH
NAvy choppers -- ??
LOH -- ??
ALH - 40 present fleet +105 =145( 60 will be WSI version)
LCH - 114
LUH - 259
Total=518 helos
IAF plan
Mi17 - 139
ALH - 22 Deliverred+ 54 =76( 16 will be WSI version )
LCH - 65
LUH - 125
Attack helo - 22
Heavy lift - 15
IN plan
LUH -56
ASW Helo - 16 + 44 options? (RFI)
AEW helo - 9 Ka31 present fleet + 5 Ka31 =14
Ka 28- 6
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Yes the ALH is capable of doing a loop - check out my earlier posts regarding types of rotors & manoeuvrability.vina wrote:Hari Nairji,
We have the Sarang display team with the Dhruv which puts up some spectacular routines (I saw the routine in the last Aero India, it was fantastic). The question I have is , Are the Dhruvs capable of doing a loop (there are videos of heavier helicopters with everyday workman roles doing it), not that it probably matters for the Dhruv, maybe for ALH, that kind of fixed wing like maneuverability might be needed.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
sankum wrote:Indian army by early 20's will havevishnu.nv wrote
Just trying to summarize the new choppers being procured for the services. Gurus correct if i am wrong.
139 - MI-17's
159 -ALH's
25 - Attack choppers
25 - Heavy Lift
180 - Light helicopters
175 - LCH
NAvy choppers -- ??
LOH -- ??
ALH - 40 present fleet +105 =145( 60 will be WSI version)
LCH - 114
LUH - 259
Total=518 helos
IAF plan
Mi17 - 139
ALH - 22 Deliverred+ 54 =76( 16 will be WSI version )
LCH - 65
LUH - 125
Attack helo - 22
Heavy lift - 15
IN plan
LUH -56
ASW Helo - 16 + 44 options? (RFI)
AEW helo - 9 Ka31 present fleet + 5 Ka31 =14
Ka 28- 6
That will be the strength of the new Mi-17V5..
What about the already existing Mi-17's??
LOH and LUH may end up being same helo type with different configuration.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Present mi17s strength may be around 80nos.(6sq)
40 nos were delivered around 2000 while 40 nos remaining from around 46 nos ordered in 1988 which will be due for retirement by 2018 (service life 30 years).
As far as 56 nos.naval LUH, it will be double engined of 3T class for which RFI is out.
While army and air force LUH of 259+125=384 is split between 197 imported for which trail is on and 187 HAL LUH of 3T class.
The split up is
IA - 133 nos. LUH import + 126 nos. HAL LUH =259
IAF - 64 nos. LUH import + 61 nos. HAL LUH =125
40 nos were delivered around 2000 while 40 nos remaining from around 46 nos ordered in 1988 which will be due for retirement by 2018 (service life 30 years).
As far as 56 nos.naval LUH, it will be double engined of 3T class for which RFI is out.
While army and air force LUH of 259+125=384 is split between 197 imported for which trail is on and 187 HAL LUH of 3T class.
The split up is
IA - 133 nos. LUH import + 126 nos. HAL LUH =259
IAF - 64 nos. LUH import + 61 nos. HAL LUH =125
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
I thought we had around 200-250 Mi-8/17 apart from 80+59 already ordered
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Ok for the sake of convenience I collected the data on the internet and as per SIPRI this is the total Mi-8/17 series helicopters that we have procured so far.
Mi-8 – 1971-1972: 20
Mi-8 – 1979-1982: 80
Mi-17 – 1984-1989: 53
Mi-17 – 2000-2001: 40
As per ‘Warbirds of India’ the total known helicopter crashed for the types are as follows.
Mi-8: 11
Mi-17: 12
So assuming we have withdrawn from use the oldest Mi-8s procured in 1972, we have the following number of Medium lift Mi-8/17 series helicopters as of today.
Mi-8: 80-11 = 69
Mi-17: 93-12 = 81
Total no of Mi-17s as of 2010: 150
Considering the service life of the Mi-8 series helicopters, the 2008 deal for 80 Mi-17 V helicopters could be to replace the oldest Mi-8s, and the latest batch of 59 Mi-17 V might replace the oldest Mi-17 series progressively from 2014 onwards. So without taking attrition; by 2020 we should have the following number of Medium lift helos.
Mi-17 IV – 40
Mi-17 V – 80
Mi-17 V – 59
Total no of Mi-17s as of 2020: 179
Hope it helps..
Cheers,
Anant
Mi-8 – 1971-1972: 20
Mi-8 – 1979-1982: 80
Mi-17 – 1984-1989: 53
Mi-17 – 2000-2001: 40
As per ‘Warbirds of India’ the total known helicopter crashed for the types are as follows.
Mi-8: 11
Mi-17: 12
So assuming we have withdrawn from use the oldest Mi-8s procured in 1972, we have the following number of Medium lift Mi-8/17 series helicopters as of today.
Mi-8: 80-11 = 69
Mi-17: 93-12 = 81
Total no of Mi-17s as of 2010: 150
Considering the service life of the Mi-8 series helicopters, the 2008 deal for 80 Mi-17 V helicopters could be to replace the oldest Mi-8s, and the latest batch of 59 Mi-17 V might replace the oldest Mi-17 series progressively from 2014 onwards. So without taking attrition; by 2020 we should have the following number of Medium lift helos.
Mi-17 IV – 40
Mi-17 V – 80
Mi-17 V – 59
Total no of Mi-17s as of 2020: 179
Hope it helps..
Cheers,
Anant
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
By 2020 delivery of HAL 13T class MLH would have begun if all goes well according to plan.
The projected requirement is 390 nos. for IAF/ IN.
The projected requirement is 390 nos. for IAF/ IN.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
The LCH looks cool but that glass canopy looks a bit overdone...
It should be something more conventional like this:
http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/1610 ... light2.jpg
Should reduce the chance of taking a hit on the canopy and also even bring a very minor reduction in weight.
It should be something more conventional like this:
http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/1610 ... light2.jpg
Should reduce the chance of taking a hit on the canopy and also even bring a very minor reduction in weight.
Last edited by archan on 17 Sep 2010 22:24, edited 2 times in total.
Reason: username changed in accordance with forum policy.
Reason: username changed in accordance with forum policy.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Alpesh wrote:The LCH looks cool but that glass canopy looks a bit overdone...
It should be something more conventional like this:
http://img828.imageshack.us/img828/1610 ... light2.jpg
Should reduce the chance of taking a hit on the canopy and also even bring a very minor reduction in weight.
See the following post on page 22 of this thread by Hari Nair - one of the test pilots of the LCH
http://forums.bharat-rakshak.com/viewto ... 35#p926835
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Adding Army and Civilian requirements, this figure can go upto 600-1000. I hope HAL will involve ancilliary industries from the word go, to develop an "indigenous" helo with atleast 50% Indian content rather producing a delayed chopper composed of foreign components assembled badly and slowly. This new HAL mantra that we do not need to produce components is dishonest/disingenious argument. I also hope HAL negotiates good contracts for imported engines etc for indigenous manufacture rather than leaving all important components to be imported for ever and ever and ever.sankum wrote:By 2020 delivery of HAL 13T class MLH would have begun if all goes well according to plan.
The projected requirement is 390 nos. for IAF/ IN.
My gratituous advice:-
Develop a 3000hp version of RTM engine in collaboration of RR & MTU
Develop MLH as a version of NH90
Branch of all other sub-systems to pvt sector to be indigenised in colloboration with nominated foreign vendors
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Generally, helis that do the scout role have wider field of view and therefore have larger canopy. Attack helis that try to do the attack role as well scout role tends to find a middle ground. Comanche is designed to do the scout for Apache & can also carries out attack.
If LCH mainly caters for the attack role it will be designed accordingly.
If LCH mainly caters for the attack role it will be designed accordingly.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Here is a fairly nice picture of the LCH clicked on its approach to the helipad-
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Thanks a lot for the picture. It is very unique as compared to all the other pictures we have had the pleasure of seeing.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Great pic. Do you have more?
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Well, a higher res picture here - also showing the business end of the LCH -
(Mods - I hope the size is not excessive - if so, pl delete)
Please click on thumbnail to see high-res image.
Rahul.
(Mods - I hope the size is not excessive - if so, pl delete)
Please click on thumbnail to see high-res image.
Rahul.
Last edited by Rahul M on 29 Sep 2010 00:08, edited 1 time in total.
Reason: edited img.
Reason: edited img.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
^^^ You lucky pilots, if you send that poster to some college fest the pilots will get a lot of f-fanmail
Anyways wonderful picture Hari Nair Garu
Anyways wonderful picture Hari Nair Garu
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Thanks very much Nair Sir.
I think this is the first and only picture of LCH in the public domain in which the LCH carries an ATGM (albeit a dummy). Is this supposed to be a mock up of HELINA?
PS:
Hari Nair Sir,
We jingos are always happy to drool over new LCH pics. So, please feel free to post any pic of LCH that you may get your hands on (even if you do not deem the pic to be worthy of posting). The gratitude from us jingos would be infinite (if not already so).
I think this is the first and only picture of LCH in the public domain in which the LCH carries an ATGM (albeit a dummy). Is this supposed to be a mock up of HELINA?
PS:
Hari Nair Sir,
We jingos are always happy to drool over new LCH pics. So, please feel free to post any pic of LCH that you may get your hands on (even if you do not deem the pic to be worthy of posting). The gratitude from us jingos would be infinite (if not already so).
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Nair Sir - From the pics it can be seen that the LCH has large shock absorbers tied to the gear. Is this normal in helos of this kind? Does it pose problems in action?
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
viktor wrote:Sorry to interrupt ongoing discussion, but I had this question in mind and feel that some guru will be able to answer it.
From what I understand, Denel has shutdown AH-2 Rooivalk project after supplying South African AF with just 12 birds. Denel has stopped the funding but they would still have the tech. Why can't we take their inputs for LCH project? Moreover we can rope in Mokopa for the work they have done on ZT-6 ATGM. I know Rooivalk is a heavier helo that LCH but it would save us lot of trouble and build relationship between our industries. I understand that Denel is blacklisted, but there are always loopholes in govt. policy.
This blacklisting crap has to stop. Comissions should be legalised. Its the Indian armed forces that are suffering due to this while the Babus and the Politicos fill their pockets oneway or the other.
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Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Hari sir,
if you don't mind me asking, where are you sitting in the chopper???
if you don't mind me asking, where are you sitting in the chopper???
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Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Hari Nairji. One question. Do the stub wings in the LCH generate any significant lift at all? Thanks
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Thank you for the wonderful image, I can see the co-pilot sitting in the back that means the co-pilot has a really good view of the front. Many of us believed otherwise.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
Unable to understand your post, do we have a MLH programe??sankum wrote:By 2020 delivery of HAL 13T class MLH would have begun if all goes well according to plan.
The projected requirement is 390 nos. for IAF/ IN.
Or, is this a call for establishing this programme??
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
EXCLUSIVE: The Proposed Indian Multirole Helicopter (IMRH) Detailed
MLH was to be on by 2015 but got delayed and now it is named IMRH.
MLH was to be on by 2015 but got delayed and now it is named IMRH.
Re: LCH and other Helicopters Discussion Thread
OK...
Will go through the link at home
Added later, its not claer if this call for a JV (Screw driver tech) or a new design.
Thanks
Will go through the link at home
Added later, its not claer if this call for a JV (Screw driver tech) or a new design.
Thanks
Last edited by Pratyush on 30 Sep 2010 09:09, edited 1 time in total.