Light Combat Helicopter Prachand

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.

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