Capt.Popeye
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@Chanakya's_Chant much appreciated for the detailed response along with pics of the other platforms. However, the LCH platform looks far more efficiently designed for patrol roles when compared to the Rudra model - which seems more like a platform to deploy combat units in quick drop off mode.
Probably the hilly terrain qould require such a man - intensive operation and hence a Rudra type platform is in equal need compare to a machine intensive model (the LCH).
The evolution of the LCH could take it much farther than I see in the present levels. I still think 12-14 squadrons of the orders for LCH right now are pretty low for India's threat perception as well as the amount of area it needs to defend.
You're on track there. The LCH is sure to touch 200+ in IA's AAC. With the Rudra in even more numbers, precisely for the reasons that you mention. Just as the Armed version of the Mi-17s are flying now.
More Rudras will get deployed to the N and NE theaters. These two Helos have their future roles cut out for them.
What needs to be clarified now; is the clear doctrinal shift that will involve devolving more Rotorcraft roles to the IA than the IAF.
During Kargil we had to use Mi17 in attack role with tragic result since mi 24 could not fly at such heights.
The Mi-35 is seriously constrained to fly above 10-12,000 ft.