Context

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is set to formally raise its first unit of indigenous Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) in Jodhpur in the first week of October coinciding with Air Force Day on October 8.

About

Key Facts regarding Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)

• It is a 5.5-tonne class multi-role combat helicopter designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL).
• It is powered by two Shakti engines and inherits many technical features of the Advanced Light Helicopter.
• The features that are unique to LCH are
  • sleek and narrow fuselage
  • tri-cycle crashworthy landing gear
  • crashworthy and self-sealing fuel tanks
  • armor protection
  • low visibility
    
    
• LCH has the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land in Forward Bases at Siachen, 4,700 mts above sea level with a 500 kg load.