manoeuvres during the official flight. Photo: HAL
India’s just-born Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), which had its maiden unofficial flight on March 29, has undertaken five more test-flights ahead of its first official outing in May. Its makers at the Bangalore-based Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) are currently putting the sturdy metal bird through initial flying lessons. Insiders confirmed to Aviation Week that so far six flights were undertaken, including an aborted one owing to bad weather.
Built, based on the proven Dhruv platform, this slim and sleek chopper has a tandem configuration, embedded with stealth features and glass cockpit. “The performance has been excellent so far and the entire team is really happy. It’s a very steady platform,” HAL chairman Ashok Nayak told Aviation Week.
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