The first excerpt built Light Combat Helicopter, designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd conducted its first flight in Bangalore on Sunday. The project was taken up by Hindustan Aeronautics in 2006. The helicopter will be introduced in the Army and Air Force in 2014.
The 20-minute first flight on high security HAL airport was accompanied by Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal PK Barbara, Defense Production Secretary RK Singh, top officials from the three services and officials of the defense establishment.
He praised the HAL team that designed the rotary wing design of the LCH, which gives the vessel its high degree of maneuverability. 'Delivering a vessel that this does not result in a global perspective, "Air marshal Barbora said. He suggested that the plane be exported "to friendly countries."
The dedicated attack helicopter with a slim body and a tandem configuration of the pilot and co-pilot has been taken with stealth characteristics that reduce visual, auditory radar and infrared signatures and crashworthy landing gear for better survivability and state-of-the-art weapons.
Chairman of HAL Ashok Naik said LCH project has been carried out with a seizure of Rs. 376 crore, ofwhich 10 percent was borne by the public company. The company has an order book worth Rs. 80,000crore, he said.
