02-12-2008, 03:37 PM
<b>HAL to test flight Light Combat Helicopter by year end</b>
The helicopter, which is based on HAL's existing Dhruv advanced light helicopter platform, will be equipped with helmet-mounted targeting systems, electronic warfare systems and advanced weapons systems.
It will be capable of operating at heights of up to 6,000 metres or 18,000 feet and will be powered by the Shakti engine developed by HAL and Turbomecca. The first eight to 10 LCA's are expected to be supplied to the IAF by 2010.
Baweja said the Russian and European platforms are not specifically designed for Indian terrain and LCH will be developed keeping in mind high altitude areas like Jammu and Kashmir and North-East.
He said HAL has already won orders for the supply of 240 Dhruv's to the armed forces, including utility and armed variants.
"We have got very large orders. Orders for 240 machines are already with us. We have already delivered 80. It is going forward as a major programme in India," he said.
The helicopter, which is based on HAL's existing Dhruv advanced light helicopter platform, will be equipped with helmet-mounted targeting systems, electronic warfare systems and advanced weapons systems.
It will be capable of operating at heights of up to 6,000 metres or 18,000 feet and will be powered by the Shakti engine developed by HAL and Turbomecca. The first eight to 10 LCA's are expected to be supplied to the IAF by 2010.
Baweja said the Russian and European platforms are not specifically designed for Indian terrain and LCH will be developed keeping in mind high altitude areas like Jammu and Kashmir and North-East.
He said HAL has already won orders for the supply of 240 Dhruv's to the armed forces, including utility and armed variants.
"We have got very large orders. Orders for 240 machines are already with us. We have already delivered 80. It is going forward as a major programme in India," he said.