HAL Prachand

Summary

Description

The impetus for the HAL Prachand's development arose from the Kargil War in 1999, which highlighted the Indian Armed Forces' need for a light, agile attack helicopter capable of high-altitude operations. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) initiated the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) project in 2006, drawing heavily from the design of its earlier HAL Dhruv helicopter to reduce costs. This indigenous design effort aimed to fulfill requirements from both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force. Development faced delays, partly attributed to supplier issues. The first LCH prototype (TD-1) achieved its maiden flight on March 29, 2010, marking a key milestone, followed by an extensive test program involving four prototypes, including high-altitude testing in Siachen. By mid-2016, the LCH had completed its performance trials, paving the way for certification of its basic configuration and eventual production.

The HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Prachand is a multirole combat helicopter designed to perform various attack profiles, including relatively high altitude flight. Its design was done in-house by the Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre (RWR&DC), an internal design office of HAL. The LCH features a two-person tandem cockpit, stealth profiling, armor protection, and the capability to conduct day-and-night combat operations. Protective measures include a digital camouflage system, an infrared (IR) suppressor fitted to the engine exhaust, and an exterior covered by canted flat panels to minimize its radar cross-section (RCS). The LCH also incorporates an integrated dynamic system, including a hingeless main rotor and bearing-less tail rotor, coupled with an anti-resonance isolation system to dampen vibrations. It shares powerplant with the HAL Dhruv, utilizing two HAL/Turbomeca Shakti-1H1 turboshaft engines, fitted with infrared suppressors. Atypical for a combat helicopter, it is capable of high-altitude warfare (HAW), with an in-service operational ceiling of 6,000–6,500 meters (19,700–21,300 ft).

The LCH is equipped with a Nexter THL-20 turret mounting a 20 mm M621 cannon, capable of firing 800 rounds per minute. It features four hardpoints that can carry various combinations of weapons, including rockets, air-to-air missiles, and anti-tank guided missiles. For rockets, it can carry up to four pods, each with 12 FZ275 LGR rockets. For air-to-air defense, the LCH can be armed with up to 4 Mistral missiles. The under development Dhruvastra anti-tank guided missile, is planned as an option. Additionally, the LCH has plans for integration of bombs. The total payload capacity for weapons is 1,750 kg (3,860 lb).

The HAL Prachand's operational history began with its formal induction into the Indian Air Force (IAF) on October 3, 2022, designated as part of the 143 Helicopter Unit. Prior to this, in August 2020, the IAF deployed two LCH prototypes to Ladakh for armed patrols from forward air bases, showcasing its capability to operate in the challenging Siachen Glacier-Saltoro Mountains region. The Indian Army's Aviation Corps (AAC) also raised the 351 Army Aviation Squadron in June 2022 for LCH operations, planning for a total of seven squadrons, each equipped with ten helicopters and aiming to deploy the LCH in the Ladakh sector by 2024-25. In November 2024, the Army's Gajraj Corps conducted high-altitude firing of autocannon and guided rockets in Northeast India. Its deployment is still in its early stages. While primarily serving within the Indian Armed Forces, HAL and the Indian government have been actively pursuing export opportunities, engaging with several countries including Nigeria, Argentina, the Philippines, and Egypt.

Main Variants:

• LCH TD-1: The first prototype, serving as a technology demonstrator, it conducted initial low-speed, low-altitude system checks.

• LCH TD-2: This prototype was equipped with armaments and featured a weight reduction compared to TD-1.

• LCH TD-3: Claimed to be significantly lighter with various improvements, it was extensively used for testing mission sensors and weapon systems.

• LCH TD-4: This prototype also participated in mission sensors and weapon systems testing, including live-firing trials.

• LSP Variant: This is the Limited Series Production variant, the first of which commenced ground-based testing in September 2020, and marked the beginning of full-scale production after receiving initial operational clearance.

Technical specifications

Current operating countries

Country		Units
	India	0 (+65)

Numbers in parentheses, e.g. '(+5)', indicate units ordered but not yet delivered.

All operators

India

Armament

Missiles payload:

• Air-to-Air Short-Range Mistral2 par point d'emport.