HAL Prachand: Difference between revisions

{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}

{{Use Indian English|date = February 2019}}

| image = File:IAF LCH-Image3.jpg

| caption = HAL Prachand of 143 Helicopter Unit IAF.  

| national origin = India

| design group = Rotary Wing Research and Design Center<ref>{{cite news |title=Rotary Wing |url=https://hal-india.co.in/Rotary%20Wing/M__326 |access-date=9 October 2021 |agency=Hindustan Aeronautics Limited}}</ref>

| status = Limited series production

| number built = 9 (4 TD, 9 LSP) (15 LSP on order)

The '''HAL Prachand''' (lit.''"Fierce"'') is an Indian multi-role, light [[attack helicopter]] designed and manufactured by the [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL) under project LCH.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bhasin |first=Swati |date=2022-10-03 |title='Prachand': 1st made-in-India light combat helicopters |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/prachand-1st-batch-of-light-combat-helicopters-inducted-in-air-force-101664778735925.html |access-date=2022-10-03 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> It has been ordered by the [[Indian Air Force]] and the [[Indian Army]]. Its [[flight ceiling]] is the highest among all attack helicopters in the world.<ref name="cutting teeth" />

The true impetus for the development of the LCH came in the form of the [[Kargil War]], a conflict fought between [[India]] and neighbouring [[Pakistan]] in 1999, which revealed the Indian armed forces lacked a suitable armed rotorcraft capable of operating unrestricted in the high-altitude theatre. Accordingly, both HAL and the Indian armed forces commenced exploratory efforts towards the conceptualisation of a combat helicopter to perform in this role. During 2006, the company announced that it had launched a development programme to produce such a rotorcraft, referred to simply as the LCH or Light Combat Helicopter. Originally, the LCH was anticipated to attain [[initial operating capability]] (IOC) by December 2010, however development of the type was protracted and subject to several delays, some of which having been attributed to suppliers.The LCH was officially named "Prachand".  

The LCH drew extensively on an earlier indigenous helicopter developed and manufactured by HAL, the ALH [[HAL Dhruv|Dhruv]]; using this rotorcraft as a starting point has been attributed as significantly reducing the cost of the programme. On 29 March 2010, the first LCH prototype performed its [[maiden flight]]. An extensive test programme, involving a total of four prototypes, was conducted. During the course of these tests, the LCH gained the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land in [[Siachen]], having repeatedly landed at several high altitude helipads, some of which being as high as 13,600 feet (4145 meters) to 15,800 feet (4815 meters). During mid-2016, the LCH was recognised as having completed its performance trials, paving way for the certification of its basic configuration. On 26 August 2017, limited series production of the Prachand was formally inaugurated. On 19 November 2021, [[Prime Minister of India|Prime Minister]] [[Narendra Modi]] formally handed over the LCH to IAF [[Air chief marshal (India)|Air Chief Marshal]] [[Vivek Ram Chaudhari]], clearing way for full scale induction.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sarkar|first=Shankhyaneel|date=2021-11-19|title=PM Modi hands over Light Combat Helicopters to IAF chief|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-hands-over-light-combat-helicopters-to-iaf-chief-101637332112648.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-20|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref>

During the late 1990s, [[India]] and neighboring nation [[Pakistan]] engaged in a brief but intensely-fought conflict commonly known as the [[Kargil War]]. This war, in which various elements of the Indian military were deployed, revealed operational shortcomings and areas for improvement, particularly the requirement for an [[attack helicopter]] that would be suitable for use within the high altitude climates in which some combat operations were fought along the north-western border region.<ref name = "dip sep 17"/><ref>McKenna, James T. [http://www.rotorandwing.com/2017/08/28/india-oks-light-combat-helicopter-production/ "India OKs Light Combat Helicopter Production."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002021822/http://www.rotorandwing.com/2017/08/28/india-oks-light-combat-helicopter-production/ |date=2 October 2017}} ''Rotor&Wing'', 28 August 2017.</ref> Accordingly, there was considerable interest in not only the acquisition of a suitable contemporary rotorcraft for the task (as well as to replace several aging types in Indian military service, such as the [[HAL Cheetah|Cheetah]] and [[HAL Chetak|Chetak]]), but for such an aircraft to be domestically developed and manufactured in India as well.

During early 2004, Indian aerospace manufacturer [[Hindustan Aeronautics Limited]] (HAL) declared that the company was in the midst of discussions with the Indian armed forces on the prospects for a potential light combat helicopter derivative of the company's existing [[HAL Dhruv|Dhruv]] utility helicopter platform for the requirement.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/indian-dawn-193658/ "Indian dawn."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001075235/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/indian-dawn-193658/ |date=1 October 2017}} ''Flight International'', 8 February 2004.</ref> During late 2004, the Indian armed forces decided to curtail plans to order foreign-built attack helicopters in anticipation of a decision to formally select the tentative LCH.<ref>[https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/indian-army-slashes-multi-role-helicopter-requiremen-190455/ "Indian army slashes multi-role helicopter requirement."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001075238/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/indian-army-slashes-multi-role-helicopter-requiremen-190455/ |date=1 October 2017}} ''Flight International'', 23 November 2004.</ref> During 2006, HAL publicly announced that it had embarked upon the development of such an attack helicopter, which it referred to as the ''Light Combat Helicopter'' (LCH).<ref name = "dip sep 17"/> During late 2006, the Indian government decided to aid the fledgling programme via the issuing of external finance to support the design phase of the LCH's development, this was done as to aid the attack helicopter in conforming with the established requirements of the [[Indian Army]] and the [[Indian Air Force]].{{citation needed|date=April 2013}}

The LCH is a derivative of the HAL Dhruv, which had been developed during the 1990s and inducted into the Indian Armed Forces during the 2000s. Basing the LCH on an existing helicopter is expected to greatly reduce the associated costs of the programme, which was estimated to be roughly {{INRConvert|376|c|1}} in 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.zeenews.com/news628661.html |title=Indigenous combat chopper takes to skies |publisher=Zeenews.com |date=23 May 2010 |access-date=21 October 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100629152930/http://www.zeenews.com/news628661.html |archive-date=29 June 2010}}</ref> By 2010, the Indian Air Force was reportedly set to acquire 65 LCHs while the Indian Army was to also procure 114 LCHs for its own purposes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenceaviation.com/2010/04/indias-light-combat-helicopter.html |title=Light Combat Helicopter - Defence Aviation |date=2 April 2010 |access-date=15 June 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110225130514/http://www.defenceaviation.com/2010/04/indias-light-combat-helicopter.html |archive-date=25 February 2011}} Light Combat Helicopter</ref>

Development of the LCH did not progress to schedule. On 21 June 2007, HAL chairman Ashok Baweja announced that and stated that the first prototype LCH was to conduct its [[maiden flight]] during October 2008, and stated that the company was currently "halfway through the design stage".<ref>Govindasamy, Siva. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hal-targets-lch-first-flight-in-oct-2008-215093/ "HAL targets LCH first flight in Oct 2008."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001075127/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hal-targets-lch-first-flight-in-oct-2008-215093/ |date=1 October 2017}} ''Flight International'', 21 June 2007.</ref> During November 2008, the company declared that, while the first flight had been postponed until March 2009, it was still working to secure [[initial operating capability]] (IOC) for the LCH by December 2010, while it was still anticipated that the type would receive its Final Operational Clearance (FOC) during 2011.<ref>Govindasamy, Siva. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-delays-lch-first-flight-to-march-2009-319107/ "India delays LCH first flight to March 2009."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001074646/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-delays-lch-first-flight-to-march-2009-319107/ |date=1 October 2017}} ''Flight International'', 24 November 2008.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2008-11-23/india/27904413_1_lch-light-combat-helicopter-operational-clearance |title=Indigenous attack chopper to fly in March |access-date=6 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411224457/http://hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=63 |work=[[The Times of India]] |archive-date=11 April 2016}}</ref> During February 2009, Baweja announced another six-month delay to the development timetable, he also attributed some of the setbacks in the programme as having been a result of HAL's suppliers failing to deliver necessary tooling on time.<ref>Govindasamy, Siva. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aero-india-light-combat-helicopter-hit-by-six-month-322526/ "AERO INDIA: Light Combat Helicopter hit by six-month delay."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001075047/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/aero-india-light-combat-helicopter-hit-by-six-month-322526/ |date=1 October 2017}} ''Flight International'', 13 February 2009.</ref>

During late January 2010, Nayak stated that the LCH had successfully completed initial ground tests and was now ready to fly; the first flight was anticipated to occur during February.<ref>Rao, Radhakrishna. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hals-delayed-light-combat-helicopter-to-fly-in-febr-337814/ "HAL's delayed light combat helicopter to fly in February."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001075215/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hals-delayed-light-combat-helicopter-to-fly-in-febr-337814/ |date=1 October 2017}} ''Flight International'', 29 January 2010.</ref> On 4 February 2010, the first LCH prototype completed its first powered ground run.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_indigenous-attack-copter-ready-for-first-flight_1344742 |title=Indigenous attack copter ready for first flight – India – DNA |publisher=Dnaindia.com |date=8 February 2010 |access-date=21 October 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404185607/http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report_indigenous-attack-copter-ready-for-first-flight_1344742 |archive-date=4 April 2010}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mynews.in/News/HAL_to_flight_test_LCH_prototype_next_month_N36065.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120301204753/http://www.mynews.in/News/HAL_to_flight_test_LCH_prototype_next_month_N36065.html|url-status=dead|title=HAL to flight test LCH prototype next month|archive-date=1 March 2012}}</ref> On 29 March 2010, the maiden flight of the LCH was conducted by the type's first LCH Technology Demonstrator (TD-1). It flew a 20-minute flight from HAL's Helicopter Complex at [[Bengaluru]], during which the rotorcraft carried out low speed, low altitude checks on the systems on board. Following the completion of the flight, the crew reported that the performance of the helicopter and systems were satisfactory.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/mar/31/slide-show-1-indias-attack-helicopter-takes-first-flight.htm#contentTopM |title=India's attack helicopter takes first flight |publisher= Rediff.com News |date=31 March 2010 |access-date=2010-10-21 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110212000854/http://news.rediff.com/slide-show/2010/mar/31/slide-show-1-indias-attack-helicopter-takes-first-flight.htm#contentTopM |archive-date=12 February 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/india%5Cs-light-combat-copter-makes-first-flight/390258/ |title=India's Light Combat copter makes first flight |newspaper=Business Standard India |publisher=Business-standard.com |date=31 March 2010 |access-date=2010-10-21 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404022628/http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/india/s-light-combat-copter-makes-first-flight/390258/ |archive-date=4 April 2010|last1=Shukla |first1=Ajai }}</ref>

On 23 May 2010, following the successful completion of the third test flight of the LCH prototype; it was deemed to have fulfilled the desired parameters and thus enabled further armed tests to proceed. The second LCH prototype (TD-2) differed considerably from its predecessor, being fitted with armaments and featuring a substantial reduction in weight; it was publicly unveiled at Aero India 2011 during February 2011. Speaking at the event, Nayak stated that the programme had exceeded human and payload requirements mandated by IAF for the development.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-07-25/news/29812484_1_light-combat-helicopter-lch-prototype |work=The Times of India |title=India flies second high altitude Light Combat Helicopter prototype |date=n.d. |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411224457/http://hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=63 |archive-date=11 April 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indiastrategic.in/light_combat_helicopter01.htm |title=..:: India Strategic ::.. India flies second LCH |access-date=6 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316232129/http://indiastrategic.in/light_combat_helicopter01.htm |archive-date=16 March 2015}}</ref> On 28 June 2011, TD-2 performed its first flight, allowing it to join the test programme.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defenceaviation.com/2011/06/indian-light-combat-helicopter-td-2-successfully-tested-by-hal.html |title=Indian Light Combat Helicopter TD-2 successfully tested by HAL |access-date=28 June 2011 |date=28 June 2011 |work=Defence Aviation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110705053929/http://www.defenceaviation.com/2011/06/indian-light-combat-helicopter-td-2-successfully-tested-by-hal.html |archive-date=5 July 2011}}</ref>

On 1 July 2012, the LCH began a series of trials near [[Chennai]]; among other elements, the onboard air speed measurement system was evaluated and various component stresses were measured.<ref name="dn1317">{{cite web |url=http://defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.asp?get=new&id=1317 |title=LCH Undergoes Sea Level Trials |publisher=Defence News |access-date=6 February 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411224457/http://hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=63 |archive-date=11 April 2016}}</ref> Between late June and early July 2012, the second prototype, TD-2, was involved in a series of sea level trials. These trials covered flight performance, the measurement of loads, and the rotorcraft's handling qualities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hal-india.com/MSM/VOL-5_MSM-94.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=26 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130116061900/http://hal-india.com/MSM/VOL-5_MSM-94.pdf |archive-date=16 January 2013}}</ref>

During mid-2012, the third LCH prototype, which was claimed to be significantly lighter than either of its predecessors as well as incorporating various other improvements, was reportedly set to be delivered.<ref name="dn1317" /> The third prototype, TD-3, ultimately performed its maiden flight on 12 November 2014 for a duration of 20 minutes.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defencenews.in/defence-news-internal.aspx?get=new&id=pJj3ICfDg9U= |title=LCH TD3 makes a maiden flight |publisher=defencenews.in |access-date=6 February 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411224457/http://hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=63 |archive-date=11 April 2016}}</ref> Both TD3 and TD4 were extensively used during the test programme for the purpose of testing the rotorcraft's mission sensors and weapon systems, which involved a series of live-firing trials. Reportedly, a total of ₹ 126 crore (US$20.2 million) had been sanctioned for the development and structural build of the fourth prototype.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oneindia.com/india/rotorplus-hal-funded-lch-td-3-undergoes-first-flight-succes-1559566.html |title=rotor plus: hal funded lch fnded td-3 undergoes first flight successfully |publisher=oneindia.com |date=17 November 2014 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141216221108/http://www.oneindia.com/india/rotorplus-hal-funded-lch-td-3-undergoes-first-flight-succes-1559566.html |archive-date=16 December 2014}}</ref>

During early 2015, a number of cold weather trials involving the third prototype (TD-3) were carried out at Air Force Station Leh. During these tests, engine start-up tests (performed using internal batteries after lengthy overnight exposure to the cold climate without special protective measures being applied) proved satisfactory at the temperatures as low as −18&nbsp;°C at an altitude of 4.1&nbsp;km. Several flights were also carried out to assess the rotorcraft's high altitude performance and low speed handling.<ref name="The Economic Times">{{cite web |url=http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2015-03-02/news/59684200_1_light-combat-helicopter-flight-trials-altitude |title=HAL's Light Combat Helicopter undergoes cold weather trials |work=The Economic Times|date=2 March 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411224457/http://hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=63 |archive-date=11 April 2016}}</ref> During the course of these tests, the LCH gained the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land in [[Siachen]], having repeatedly landed at several high altitude helipads, some of which being as high as 13,600 feet to 15,800 feet.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/hal-completes-hot-high-altitude-trials-of-lch-at-leh/article7610924.ece |title=HAL completes hot, high altitude trials of LCH at Leh |first=Ani l|last=Urs |date=3 September 2015 |work=thehindubusinessline.com |access-date=25 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827222142/http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/hal-completes-hot-high-altitude-trials-of-lch-at-leh/article7610924.ece |archive-date=27 August 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.oneindia.com/india/lch-becomes-first-attack-helicopter-to-land-at-siachen-1857693.html |title=LCH becomes first attack helicopter to land at Siachen |work=oneindia.com |date=3 September 2015 |access-date=25 July 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160818040559/http://www.oneindia.com/india/lch-becomes-first-attack-helicopter-to-land-at-siachen-1857693.html |archive-date=18 August 2016}}</ref>

During June 2015, the LCH successfully completed hot weather flight trials at [[Jodhpur]], during which the type was exposed to temperatures ranging from 39 to 42&nbsp;°C. The flight testing reportedly covered 'temperature survey of engine bay and hydraulic system', 'assessment of performance', 'handling qualities and loads' at different 'all up weights', 'low speed handling' and 'height-velocity diagram establishment'.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/Light-Combat-Helicopter-completes-hot-weather-flight-trials/articleshow/47828340.cms |title=Light Combat Helicopter completes hot weather flight trials |work=Times of India|date=26 June 2015 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210135242/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Bengaluru/Light-Combat-Helicopter-completes-hot-weather-flight-trials/articleshow/47828340.cms |archive-date=10 February 2016}}</ref>

On 1 December 2015, LCH TD4 completed its first flight. By March 2016, the LCH had reportedly completed basic performance flight testing and outstation trials, including a number of live-fire tests involving prototype TD-3 firing 70&nbsp;mm rockets in its weaponized configuration.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/hals-lch-passes-rocket-trials-will-participate-in-iron-fist-exercise/articleshow/51390574.cms |title=HAL's LCH passes rocket trials; will participate in 'Iron Fist' exercise |website=The Economic Times |date= 14 March 2016 |access-date= 6 April 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420041945/http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/hals-lch-passes-rocket-trials-will-participate-in-iron-fist-exercise/articleshow/51390574.cms |archive-date=20 April 2016}}</ref> By mid-2016, certification firing trials had commenced, these included tests of the integration of its mission sensors, such as the electro-optical system, helmet pointing system, and of the various armaments – air-to-air missiles, turret gun and rockets – that the type can deploy.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/air-space/strike/2016/05/10/india-conduct-lch-weapons-trials/84175400/ |title=india-conduct-lch-weapons-trials |website=Defense News |date= 10 May 2016 |access-date=21 October 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411224457/http://hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=63 |archive-date=11 April 2016}}</ref>

During mid-2016, the LCH was recognised as having completed its performance trials, paving way for the certification of its basic configuration; a letter confirming this status was hand-delivered to HAL by CEMILAC in the presence of the Indian Defence Minister on 16 October 2015.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/hals-light-combat-helicopter-catches-eyes-of-africas-countries-5-special-facts-about-the-made-in-india-lch/258501/ |title = HAL's Light Combat Helicopter catches eyes of African countries: 5 special facts about the made-in-India LCH |first = Smriti |last = Jain |publisher = Financial Express |access-date=27 May 2016 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820190748/http://www.financialexpress.com/india-news/hals-light-combat-helicopter-catches-eyes-of-africas-countries-5-special-facts-about-the-made-in-india-lch/258501/ |archive-date=20 August 2016}}</ref> On 26 August 2017, Defence Minister Arun Jaitley formally inaugurated full-scale production of the LCH.<ref name="dip sep 17">Gady, Franz-Stefan. [https://thediplomat.com/2017/09/india-kicks-off-production-of-light-combat-helicopter/ "India Kicks Off Production of Light Combat Helicopter."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170906223522/https://thediplomat.com/2017/09/india-kicks-off-production-of-light-combat-helicopter/ |date=6 September 2017}} ''The Diplomat'', 1 September 2017.</ref><ref>[http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/arun-jaitley-inaugurates-manufacture-of-light-combat-helicopter-at-hal-117082600691_1.html "Arun Jaitley inaugurates manufacture of light combat helicopter at HAL."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827125345/http://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/arun-jaitley-inaugurates-manufacture-of-light-combat-helicopter-at-hal-117082600691_1.html |date=27 August 2017}}. ''Business Standard''.</ref>

[[File:IA LCH induction1.jpg|thumb|LCH for Indian Army at HAL facility. |left]]The LCH was declared ready for production in February 2020. HAL's Helicopter Division, based in Bengaluru, has established a dedicated hangar to accommodate the LCH assembly line.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/feb/27/indigenous-light-combat-helicopter-ready-for-operational-induction-hal-2109412.html|title=Indigenous Light Combat Helicopter ready for operational induction: HAL |website=The New Indian Express |access-date=28 February 2020}}</ref> During September 2020, the first LCH of the limited series production (LSP) batch had reportedly commenced ground-based testing.<ref>{{cite web |last= Kumar |first=Chethan |date = 20 September 2020 |title=HAL rolls out 300th ALH; ground run of LCH done too |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/hal-rolls-out-300th-alh-ground-run-of-lch-done-too/articleshow/78382908.cms |access-date=10 October 2020 |website=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>

The HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is a multirole [[attack helicopter|combat helicopter]], designed to perform various attack profiles, including relatively high altitude flight.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.brahmand.com/news/Indias-Light-Combat-Helicopter/3514/1/15.html |title=India's Light Combat Helicopter |work=Brahmand News |access-date=25 July 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819114353/http://www.brahmand.com/news/Indias-Light-Combat-Helicopter/3514/1/15.html |archive-date=19 August 2016}}</ref> The design and development of the LCH was done in-house, by the Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre (RWR&DC), an internal design office of HAL dedicated to the design of helicopters.<ref name="RWRDC">{{cite web|url= http://hal-india.co.in/Rotary%20Wing/M__326 |title= Rotary Wing |work = HAL |access-date=2020-02-10}}</ref>

Equipped with a two-person [[tandem]] cockpit to accommodate a pilot and co-pilot/gunner, it has been developed to perform both the [[infantry|anti-infantry]] and [[anti-armour]] missions.<ref name = "HAL LCH"/> In addition to these roles, the LCH is intended to be used for a variety of operational purposes, such as to perform [[air defence]] against slow-moving aerial targets, including both manned aircraft and [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s (UAVs), participation in [[counter-insurgency]] operations (COIN) and Counter Surface Force Operations (CSFO),<ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com"/> the [[Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses|destruction of enemy air defence operations]] and wider offensive use during [[urban warfare]] conditions, escort to special heliborne operations (SHBO), support of [[combat search and rescue]] (CSAR) operations, and armed aerial scouting duties.<ref name=bkpic>{{cite web |title=LCH |url=http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/media/4234-3/HAL+LCH+Information.jpg |publisher=bharat-rakshak |access-date=30 June 2012 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802081918/http://www.bharat-rakshak.com/media/4234-3/HAL%2BLCH%2BInformation.jpg |archive-date=2 August 2014}}</ref>  

In terms of its basic configuration, the LCH possesses a relatively narrow fuselage and is equipped with stealth profiling, armour protection, and is equipped to conduct day-and-night combat operations. According to reports, the protective measures included in the rotorcraft includes a [[digital camouflage]] system, an [[infrared]] (IR) suppressor fitted to the engine exhaust, and an exterior covered by [[cant (architecture)|cant]]ed flat panels to minimise its [[radar cross-section]] (RCS).<ref name = "HAL LCH"/><ref name=DA>{{cite news |title=Indian Light Combat Helicopter TD-2 successfully tested by HAL |url=http://www.defenceaviation.com/2011/06/indian-light-combat-helicopter-td-2-successfully-tested-by-hal.html |access-date=30 July 2012 |newspaper=Defence Aviation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016231404/http://www.defenceaviation.com/2011/06/indian-light-combat-helicopter-td-2-successfully-tested-by-hal.html |archive-date=16 October 2012}}</ref> It is furnished with an integrated dynamic system, including a hingeless main rotor and [[Bearing (mechanical)|bearing]]-less tail rotor, which works in conjunction with an anti-resonance isolation system to dampen vibrations.<ref name = "HAL LCH"/> During Aero India 2011, HAL's Rotary Wing Research & Design Centre informed the press that the LCH is "probably the most agile design in the world because of its rotor".<ref name=AeroIndia>{{cite news |title=Aero India: HAL showcases new helicopter designs |url=http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/aero-india-hal-showcases-new-helicopter-/ |access-date=31 July 2012 |newspaper=SHEPHARD |date=10 February 2011 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150220125905/http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/rotorhub/aero-india-hal-showcases-new-helicopter-/ |archive-date=20 February 2015}}</ref>

The LCH is equipped with an integrated [[data link]], which enables the type to participate in [[network-centric operations]] by facilitating the transfer of mission data to other platforms, comprising both airborne and ground-based elements. This networking capable is said to facilitate operational cooperation and [[force multiplication]] practices.<ref name = "dip sep 17"/><ref name="timesofindia.indiatimes.com">{{cite web |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-05-24/bangalore/28317274_1_lch-light-combat-helicopter-pilot |title=Indigenous combat copter takes to skies |date=24 May 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160411224457/http://hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=63 |work=[[The Times of India]] |archive-date=11 April 2016}}</ref> The onboard sensor suite is Elbit CoMPASS, produced locally by [[Bharat Electronics Limited]]. It consists of a [[Charge-coupled device#Color cameras|CCD camera]], a [[forward looking infrared]] (FLIR) imaging sensor, a [[laser rangefinder]] and a [[laser designator]] to facilitate target acquisition under all-weather conditions, including under nighttime conditions.<ref name="janes-23feb15"/> The series production variant will come with Integrated Architecture Display System (IADS) and Automatic Flight Control System (AFCS) which are locally developed by HAL with private sector industries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Jha|first=Manish Kumar|date=17 November 2021|title=With Certainty, LCA MK 2 Aircraft Is Slated To Enter Production By 2027 And AMCA By 2035--HAL CMD R. Madhavan|url=http://businessworld.inhttps//www.businessworld.in/article/With-Certainty-LCA-MK-2-Aircraft-Is-Slated-To-Enter-Production-By-2027-And-AMCA-By-2035-HAL-CMD-R-Madhavan-/17-11-2021-412423|url-status=live|access-date=2021-11-22|website=BW Businessworld|language=en}}</ref>

During 2006, it was announced that HAL had selected the [[M621 cannon]] to serve as the gun armament of the helicopter. The M621 cannon is incorporated in a [[Nexter]]-built THL 20 turret and integrated into a [[helmet-mounted sight]].<ref name="awst_20070101">"Missile Mirage", ''[[Aviation Week & Space Technology]]'', 1 January 2007.</ref> Various missiles can also be equipped upon the LCH; these include a maximum of four 70&nbsp;mm anti-tank guided missiles – options are to include both foreign and Indian-built missiles, the latter in the form of the [[Nag (missile)|Helina]] anti-tank missile. In terms of [[air-to-air missile]]s, the LCH shall be capable of being armed with the [[Mistral (missile)|MBDA Mistral 2]] missile.<ref name = "dip sep 17"/> Payloads of [[rocket]]s are also available as offensive options for attacking targets with.<ref name = "HAL LCH"/>

During November 2016, the Indian Ministry of Defense (MoD) authorised the purchase of an initial batch of 15 LCHs with 10 for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and 5 for the Indian Army Aviation Corps (AAC), referred to as being a limited series production order.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gady |first1=Franz-Stefan |title=India Orders 83 New Fighter Jets, 15 Helicopter Gunships, and 464 Tanks |url=https://thediplomat.com/2016/11/india-orders-83-new-fighter-jets-15-helicopter-gunships-and-464-tanks/ |work=The Diplomat |date=9 November 2016 |access-date=18 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218141838/https://thediplomat.com/2016/11/india-orders-83-new-fighter-jets-15-helicopter-gunships-and-464-tanks/ |archive-date=18 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Waldron, Greg. [https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hal-commences-lch-production-440643/ "HAL commences LCH production."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001121621/https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/hal-commences-lch-production-440643/ |date=1 October 2017}} ''Flight International'', 29 August 2017.</ref> By mid-2017, the AAC had placed combined orders for 114 LCHs, while the IAF had a total of 65 LCHs on order. During early 2017, it was reported that the LCH's [[initial operating capability]] (IOC) with the Indian armed forces was expected to occur by 2018.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/lch-inching-closer-to-ioc-first-lsp-chopper-by-2018-mathrubhumi-aeroindia2017--1.1725141 |title=LCH inching closer to IOC; first LSP chopper by 2018 |website=mathrubhumi.com |date= 12 February 2017 |access-date= 13 April 2017 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170414001057/http://english.mathrubhumi.com/news/india/lch-inching-closer-to-ioc-first-lsp-chopper-by-2018-mathrubhumi-aeroindia2017--1.1725141 |archive-date=14 April 2017}}</ref> The AAC intended to deploy the indigenous LCH alongside the American-built [[Boeing AH-64 Apache]] attack helicopter.<ref>Kumar, Avinash. [http://www.businessinsider.in/Dusk-and-Dawn-of-the-Indian-Attack-Helicopters/articleshow/47747780.cms "Dusk and Dawn of the Indian Attack Helicopters."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001165528/http://www.businessinsider.in/Dusk-and-Dawn-of-the-Indian-Attack-Helicopters/articleshow/47747780.cms |date=1 October 2017}} ''Business Insider'', 20 June 2015.</ref>

Achieving export sales for the LCH has been a stated priority of both HAL and the Indian government. During mid-2016, a spokesperson for the Indian Defence Ministry stated the ministry was in the progress of holding discussions with several unidentified African nations on the topic of the LCH.<ref name=LCH2016>{{cite news |url =http://m.economictimes.com/news/defence/india-in-talks-with-african-countries-for-exporting-light-combat-helicopter/articleshow/52277819.cms |title =LCH for African countries |work =Economic Times|year =2016 |access-date =16 May 2016 |url-status =live |archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20160411224457/http://hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=63 |archive-date =11 April 2016}}</ref><ref>Bhat, Aditya. [http://www.ibtimes.co.in/hals-light-combat-helicopter-advancing-towards-initial-operational-clearance-715872 "HAL's Light Combat Helicopter advancing towards Initial Operational Clearance."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001212900/http://www.ibtimes.co.in/hals-light-combat-helicopter-advancing-towards-initial-operational-clearance-715872 |date=1 October 2017}} ''International Business Times'', 13 February 2017.</ref>

On 1 June 2022, an attack squadron was raised by the [[Army Aviation Corps (India)|Army Aviation Corps]] in Bangalore. A total of seven squadrons are planned, each with ten helicopters.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.indiandefensenews.in/2022/07/army-raises-its-first-light-combat.html | title=Army Raises Its First Light Combat Helicopter Squadron }}</ref> IAF formally inducted HAL Prachand into 143 Helicopter Unit at [[Jodhpur_Airport#Jodhpur_Air_Force_Station|Jodhpur Air Force Station]] on 3 October 2022.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Peri |first=Dinakar |date=2022-10-03 |title=IAF inducts indigenously-built Light Combat Helicopter |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/iaf-inducts-indigenously-built-light-combat-helicopter/article65965662.ece |access-date=2022-10-03 |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

*[[Indian Air Force]]: 3 LSP delivered, with 10 on order and 65 total planned.<ref name=":1">{{cite press release |date=30 March 2022 |title=CCS Approves Procurement of 15 Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Limited Series Production (LSP) from HAL for IAF (10) & IA(05) |url=https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=1811565 |access-date=30 March 2022 |website=Press Information Bureau, Government of India}}</ref>

*[[Indian Army]]: 1 LSP delivered, with 5 on order and 95 total planned.<ref name=":1"/>

|ref=Jane's All the World's Aircraft,<ref name="jawa-1617">{{cite book|editor1-last=Jackson|editor1-first=Paul|editor2-last=Peacock|editor2-first=Lindsay|editor3-last=Bushell|editor3-first=Susan|editor4-last=Willis|editor4-first=David|editor5-last=Winchester|editor5-first=Jim|title=IHS Jane's All the World's Aircraft: Development & Production|date=2016–2017|location=Couldson|isbn=978-0710631770|page=309|chapter=India}}</ref> Jane's Defence Weekly,<ref name="janes-23feb15">{{cite news|last1=Hardy|first1=James|last2=Bedi|first2=Rahul|title=Aero India 2015: Third LCH prototype breaks cover with new paintjob|url=http://www.janes.com/article/49257/aero-india-2015-third-lch-prototype-breaks-cover-with-new-paintjob|access-date=5 December 2017|work=Jane's Defence Weekly|date=23 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205194557/http://www.janes.com/article/49257/aero-india-2015-third-lch-prototype-breaks-cover-with-new-paintjob|archive-date=5 December 2017|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Bedi |first1=Rahul |title=Aero India 2019: Thales to supply rocket launchers for HAL combat helos |url=https://www.janes.com/article/86756/aero-india-2019-thales-to-supply-rocket-launchers-for-hal-combat-helos |work=Jane's Defence Weekly |issue=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222124917/https://www.janes.com/article/86756/aero-india-2019-thales-to-supply-rocket-launchers-for-hal-combat-helos |archive-date=22 February 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref> ''and'' HAL India<ref name = "HAL LCH">{{cite web |url=http://www.hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=63 |title=LCH |access-date=20 November 2017 |publisher=HAL India |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171120013444/http://www.hal-india.com/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=63 |archive-date=20 November 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=LCH |url=https://hal-india.co.in/Product_Details.aspx?Mkey=54&lKey=&CKey=63 |website=Hindustan Aeronautics Limited |access-date=9 October 2021}}</ref>

|eng1 shp=1384

***4 × 12 [[FZ275 LGR]]<ref>{{cite news |title=Hindustan Aeronautics Limited places order with Thales for 2.75-inch rocket launchers to equip Indian armed forces |url=https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/india/press-release/hindustan-aeronautics-limited-places-order-thales-275-inch-rocket-launchers |access-date=9 October 2021 |publisher=Thales |date=21 February 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=LCH (Light Combat Helicopter) |url=https://fz.be/lch-light-combat-helicopter |access-date=9 October 2021 |publisher=Forges de Zeebrugge}}</ref>

****4 × 2 [[Mistral (missile)|Mistral]]<ref>{{cite news |last1=Siddiqui |first1=Huma |title=HAL's Light Combat helicopter becomes India's 1st to carry out air-to-air attack firing Mistral missile |url=https://www.financialexpress.com/defence/hals-light-combat-helicopter-becomes-indias-1st-to-carry-out-air-to-air-attack-firing-mistral-missile/1446846/ |access-date=9 October 2021 |publisher=Financial Express |date=17 January 2019}}</ref>  

[[Category:HAL aircraft]]