The LCH belongs to the 5. 5 ton class,with a narrow fuselage accommodating a pilot and a gunner/co-pilot in tandem configuartion. The cockpit and windsheild have armour protection. Maximum possible commonality with the Dhruv/ALH is maintained to minimise development time frame and cost. The LCH incorporates a number of stealth features such as low visual signature, reduced aural cross section / Low Radar Cross Section and a low IR signature as well as crashworthy landing gear for better survivability. The Dhruv's current external structure composite percentage of 67% is expected to be improved upon.
Primary electro-optical sensors including the FLIR/CCD camera and laser range finder/designator will be installed inside a nose mounted Gimballed Payload assembly(GPA) which is similar to the one on the Nishant UAV. IRDE(DRDO) has already developed a nose mounted gyro stabilised sighting system for the ALH, comprising of a high performance thermal imager and Laser Range Finder with a 4 km detection range of a NATO Tank target. Known as the Heliborne-thermal imaging system(HELITIS), it provides a stabilization accuracy of 30 microradians and is intended for target recognition and engagement.
The LCH will feature a full glass cockpit for both the pilot and gunner,as well as eye level displays. The Multifunction displays pictured above are the products of DataSol, a private venture specializing in avionics. The 9'' x 11'' 'smart' MFDs are ruggeddized and Mil qualified for airborne operations. They feature high luminance and contrast with optional night vision and optical customization as well as an MIL-STD-1553B/Arinc429/RS422 interface with exclusive software libraries and OGL support.
The LCH will have two engines with a dual redundant analogue flight control system (AFCS), Electrical, hydraulic, communication and navigation systems. Crashworthy features are incorporated into the fuel system (tank), bottom structure and fixed type tricycle landing-gear. The dynamic system (Main rotor and Tail rotor system, Integrated Dynamic system), Powerplant, Transmission, Electrical and Hydraulic systems, AFCS and Avionics are at present, common with the ALH WSI. RWR aerials, Missile approach warning systems (MAWS) and the counter-measure dispenser system (CMDS) have already been incorporated into the design and await final integration with an undecided self defense suite. HAL mentions that the candidates for the latter are under current evaluation.
Type/Role Light Combat Helicopter Twin tandem seat, light attack helicopter
Roles :
Air defense against UAVs
Air defense against slow moving aircraft
Escort to special heli-borne operations
Destruction of Enemy Air Defence (DEAD)
Offensive employment in urban warfare
Counter surface force and COIN operations
Support of Combat SAR operations
Anti-tank and Anti-vehicle roles
Scout duties
Performance
Max. AUW 5500 kg
Max. Cruise at SL 260 km/h
VNE 330 km/h
Max. Operating altitude 6500 m
Ferry range with interm.load 700 km
Dimensions Max. height 5300 mm
Main rotor diameter 13300 mm
Max. Length 16000 mm
Wing Span 3550 mm
Tail rotor diameter 2054 mm
Armament
20 mm gun
Air to surface missiles
Air-to-Air missiles
Unguided rockets
Iron bombs,Cluster bomb units,Grenade launchers
Anti-radiation missiles
