HAL LCH completes hot & high trials
HAL has announced the successful completion of hot and high-altitude trials on the third prototype of its Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) in Leh.
The trials, conducted at temperatures ranging from 13 to 27 degrees centigrade, validated the flight envelope of the helicopter in hot-and-high conditions, and ended with the landing of the helicopter at forward bases at elevations of 13,600 feet to 15,800 feet. According to the company, the landings and take-offs were demonstrated with the helicopter carrying 'reasonable' fuel and weapon load.
T Suvarna Raju, chairman, HAL, said: ‘These seasonal trials - including cold weather trials carried out at Leh during February this year - have been completed as part of the certification process. The flight trials at Leh have established hover performance and low speed handling characteristics of the helicopter under extreme weather conditions at different altitudes (3200m to 4800m). During the trials, the helicopter and systems performed satisfactorily. LCH also has proven its capability to land and take off at forward landing base in Siachen. LCH is the first attack helicopter to land in forward bases at Siachen.’
With trials at sea level, cold weather and hot weather already having been completed, HAL has established the performance and handling qualities of the helicopter for basic configuration - with EO pod, rocket launchers, turret gun and air-to-air missile launchers.
The LCH development programme will continue with weapon firing trials planned during the middle of 2016.
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