LCH Inches Close to Certification;
Defence Minister Takes Detailed Look.

Bengaluru, October 16, 2015: Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) completed performance trials paving way for finalization of basic configuration. The Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar, visited HAL’s helicopter complex here today and had a detailed look on advanced features and armament fit of LCH prototypes.

“LCH is the only attack helicopter which can operate above 10000 – 12000 feet altitude with considerable load of armament”, said T. Suvarana Raju, CMD, HAL. Based on successful completion of remaining flight trials, HAL expects operational clearance from CEMILAC very soon.

Photo Caption: G. Gouda, Officiating Chief Executive of CEMILAC (Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification) handing over a letter on completion of performance flight trials of LCH to Dr. M. Vijaya Kumar (right), General Manager, HAL in presence of Defence Minister, Manohar Parrikar and T. Suvarana Raju, CMD, HAL

G. Gouda, Officiating Chief Executive of CEMILAC (Centre for Military Airworthiness & Certification) handed over a letter on completion of performance flight trials of LCH to Dr. M. Vijaya Kumar, General Manager, HAL in presence of Defence Minister and CMD, HAL.

LCH has completed performance flight trials which involved not only development testing at Bangalore but also trials at extreme environment conditions such as Sea Level at Chennai, Cold weather at Leh, Hot weather at Jodhpur and Hot & high altitude tests at Leh. Accordingly, the helicopter can be cleared for weapon trials. With the finalization of basic configuration, HAL can start production of LCH after the operational clearance.