Bengaluru: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on February 27 inaugurated the new Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) Production Hangar at Helicopter Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in Bengaluru in the presence of Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) R Madhavan and other senior officials.

LCH is completely ready for operational induction and Helicopter Complex is fully geared up for the production of LCH, said Madhavan. The new production hangar will augment the LCH production capacity to reach a peak production of 30 helicopters per year, said GVS Bhaskar, CEO, Helicopter Complex. The techno Commercial Proposal for 15 Limited Series Production (LSP) helicopters has already been submitted by HAL in March 2018 and the order is awaited. The total projected requirement is for around 160 helicopters.

HAL also apprised Defence Minister on the progress of new design and development programme of indigenous Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH). The full scale mock-up was showcased to the Minister. The IMRH (for IAF, Navy and Army) is proposed as a replacement to the existing medium lift helicopters such as Mi-17s, Kamovs and Seakings which will phase out in the next eight to ten years and HAL is keen to complete the development of IMRH during this time.

Induction of indigenous IMRH will result in considerable savings of foreign exchange. Preliminary Project Report (PPR) for Development has been submitted to Defence Ministry for sanction of funds by CCS.

LCH is a 5.5 tonne class combat helicopter designed and developed by HAL. It is powered by two Shakti engines and inherits many technical features of the Advanced Light Helicopter. LCH has the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land in Forward Bases at Siachen, 4,700 metre above sea level with 500 kg load.