Light Combat Helicopter Prachand

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About Light Combat Helicopter Prachand

It is India’s first indigenous multi-role combat helicopter, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
It is designed to meet the needs of the Indian armed forces operating in deserts and mountainous areas.
The helicopter is fitted with Shakti Engine, which is co-developed by HAL and France’s Safran.
The helicopter received operational clearance in 2017.
Features
- It can fly at a maximum speed of 288 kmph and has a combat radius of 500 km, which can go up to a service ceiling of 21,000 feet.
- The helicopter can carry out activities such as Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), Destruction of Enemy Air Defence (DEAD), operations against slow-moving aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs), high-altitude bunker busting operations, counter-insurgency operations in the jungle and urban environments and provide support to ground forces.
The helicopter will be equipped with Helina missiles, the air force version of which is called Dhruvastra.

Q1) What is the Helina missile?

The Helina (HeliNa) missile is an anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) developed by India. The name “Helina” stands for “HELIcopter-launched NAg,” where “Nag” is another ATGM developed by India. Helina is designed to be launched from helicopters, making it a valuable asset for the Indian Armed Forces, particularly in their anti-tank warfare capabilities.

Source: Army’s Light Combat Helicopter Prachand successfully carried out the inaugural firing.