India’s Answer To High-Altitude Warfare: Meet Homegrown Attack Helicopter LCH ‘Prachand’ – Key Features

Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) ‘Prachand’ is India’s first indigenously designed and manufactured multirole attack helicopter. The chopper is developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and it is tailor-made for high-altitude warfare.

In March this year, India approved one of its largest-ever defence procurement deals, clearing the purchase of 156 LCH ‘Prachand’ choppers for the  Indian Army and Air Force. The name ‘Prachand’ means “fierce,” “powerful,” or “intense” in Sanskrit. The entire deal is worth Rs 62,000 crore. HAL is expected to deliver these choppers by 2028.

Here Are The Capabilities Of LCH Prachand:

High-Altitude Performance: LCH Prachand has an in-service operational ceiling of 6,000–6,500 metres (19,700–21,300 ft). This feature makes it suitable for missions in regions like the Siachen Glacier and Eastern Ladakh.

Stealth Features: The LCH possesses a relatively narrow fuselage to reduce radar and infrared signatures. It is also equipped with stealth profiling and armour protection. The chopper is capable of conducting day-and-night combat operations.

Witness the mighty LCH prachand in action at the #MilitaryTattoo and more on #VijayDiwas2024 16 Dec 2024, 1430 hrs onwards at the Racecourse Grounds.
Free entry for all.@adgpi @easterncomd pic.twitter.com/sncLdRxm1z

— PRO Defence Kolkata (@ProDefKolkata) December 14, 2024

Advanced Avionics: The chopper is equipped with an integrated data link, that supports network-centric warfare by allowing seamless sharing of mission data with other platforms. This networking capability is said to facilitate operational cooperation and force multiplication practices. The onboard sensor suite is Elbit CoMPASS, produced locally by Bharat Electronics Limited. It is also equipped with Integrated Architecture Display System (IADS) and Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS).

The Hon'ble Raksha Mantri handed over the first LCH Prachand to the IAF today at AF Stn Jodhpur.

He also undertook a sortie on the Prachand, which is translated as 'Fierce'. The aircraft's name is a testimony to its lethality & versatility. pic.twitter.com/66Bt2Hu7mf

— Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) October 3, 2022

Protection Systems: The chopper is fitted with radar and laser warning receivers, missile approach warning systems, countermeasure dispensing systems, and a missile jammer to enhance survivability.

The Prachand ⚡🇮🇳

Lethal duo of Made in India Light attack Helicopter LCH Prachand. 15 LSP delivered to IAF & Army. Order of 145 LCH soon by MoD.

HAL expect to start production by end of 2024. pic.twitter.com/HIInTW34WE

— Vivek Singh (@VivekSi85847001) July 2, 2023

Primary Weapon: 20mm M621 cannon mounted on a Nexter THL-20 turret, integrated with a helmet-mounted sight for targeting.

Weapons System Of LCH Prachand:

Missiles:

•             Air-to-Air: MBDA Mistral ATAM missiles.

•             Air-to-Ground: HELINA/Dhruvastra anti-tank guided missiles.

•             Rockets: 70mm FZ275 laser-guided rockets for precision strikes.

•             The chopper has a maximum speed of over 250 km/h and a range of 550 km. LCH Prachand has a length of 15.8 metres and a height of 4.7 metres.

IAF formally inducted HAL Prachand into the 143 Helicopter Unit at Jodhpur Air Force Station on October 3, 2022.

On June 1, 2022, an attack squadron – 351 Army Aviation Squadron – was raised by the Army Aviation Corps in Bengaluru for LCH operations.