New Delhi: The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) today approved the procurement of 15 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Limited Series Production (LSP) at the cost of Rs. 3,887 crore along with infrastructure sanctions worth Rs. 377 crore.
Light Combat Helicopter Limited Series Production (LSP) is an indigenously designed, developed and manufactured state of the art modern combat helicopter containing approx. 45% indigenous content by value which will progressively increase to more than 55% for the SP version.
This helicopter is equipped with requisite agility, manoeuvrability, extended range, high altitude performance and round-the-clock, all-weather combat capability to perform roles of Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Destruction of Enemy Air Defence (DEAD), Counter Insurgency (CI) operations, against slow-moving aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs), high altitude bunker-busting operations, Counter Insurgency operations in the jungle and urban environments and support to ground forces and would be a potent platform to meet the operational requirements of Indian Air Force and Indian Army.
State of the art technologies and systems compatible with stealth features such as reduced Visual, Aural, Radar and IR signatures and crashworthiness features for better survivability has been integrated into LCH for deployment in combat roles catering to emerging needs for the next 3 to 4 decades. Several key aviation technologies like Glass Cockpit and composite airframe structures have been indigenised. The future Series Production version will consist of further modern & indigenous systems.
Production of LCH will reduce import dependence on Combat helicopters in the country, a Cabinet note said. Light Combat Helicopters are already on the import embargo list. With its versatile features built-in for combat missions, LCH has the export capability.
-global bihari bureau
