Antony to dedicate attack helicopter to nation on Sunday

Defence Minister A K Antony would dedicate to the nation on Sunday the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), which could carry rockets and missiles on weapon stations.

Defence Minister A K Antony would dedicate to the nation on Sunday the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), which could carry rockets and missiles on weapon stations.

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An attack helicopter, the first-of-its-kind in India, LCH would have day/night targeting systems for the crew, according to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. It will be fitted with a 20 mm turret gun.

A digital video recorder on the helicopter would enable recording of the vital mission for debriefing purposes. The helmet-mounted sight of the gunner controls the turret gun skewing.

A derivative of Advanced Light Helicopter (Dhruv), LCH is fitted with self-protection suite, comprising radar/laser missile warning systems and countermeasures dispensing system. It is also planned to integrate IR/laser missile jammer on the helicopter.

"The performance features of the LCH - rate of climb, cruise speed, service ceiling -- are on par, if not better than other helicopter in its class like A129/Tiger and with bigger dedicated combat helicopters like Apache, Kamov 30 or Mi-35", it said.