After enthralling thousands of aviation enthusiasts in Aero India 2013, India’s first indigenously designed and developed light combat helicopter (LCH) by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) demonstrated its prowess in the Iron Fist exercise of the Indian Air Force (IAF) at Pokhran.

The first prototype of LCH piloted by HAL’s Chief Test Pilot Wg. Cdr (Retd) Unni Pillai, and Group Captain (Retd) Hari Nair was flown at Jaisalmer as the President, the Prime Minister and other dignitaries watched the manoeuvres.

“It is a matter of pride for us to have HAL imprint at this biggest exercise of the Indian Air Force”, said Dr R.K. Tyagi, Chairman, HAL.

LCH has the capability for target detection and acquisition in all weather conditions facilitated by an advanced sensor suite consisting of day and night sensors (CCD camera, FLIR, laser designator and range finder). The LCH will be armed with an array of long-reach weapons. The M621 20mm cannon, which is known for its accuracy and high muzzle velocity, is mounted on a chin turret and is slewable with either pilot’s helmet mounted sighting system, giving the capability to look and fire at targets around the aircraft. The 68mm rockets can be fired at targets up to six kilometres even if not within the line-of-sight. Mistral-II air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground missiles can take on aerial and ground targets respectively.