Prachand attack helicopters

Sept. 30, 2023

Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to place orders for 156 'Made-in-India' Prachand attack helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).

About Prachand attack helicopters:

  • It is an indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
  • It is developed by state-run aerospace major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. 
  • The multi-role attack helicopter has been customized as per the requirements of the Indian armed forces to operate both in desert terrains and high-altitude sectors. 
  • It is the only attack helicopter in the world that can land and take off at an altitude of 5,000 metres (16,400 ft).
  • Features:
    • It is fitted with a 5.8-tonne twin-engine named Shakti engine, primarily designed for deployment in high-altitude areas.
    • Its maximum speed is 268 kilometres per hour.
    • It has a range of 550 kilometres and endurance of over three hours.
    • It has the best stealth features, armored-shield systems, and dark-mode attack capability. 
    • Its crash-resistant landing gear gives it an added edge for better survivability, among other technologies like radar and IR signature.
    • A pressurized cabin offers protection from nuclear, biological, and chemical contingencies.
    • It is equipped with a countermeasure dispensing system that protects it from enemy radars or infrared seekers of enemy missiles.
    • The weapon complement includes a 20mm nose gun in the front, capable of firing 800 rounds per minute from a range of up to 2 km.