Hindustan Aeronautics (HAL) will display its new indigenous attack helicopter for the first time at the upcoming Aero-India airshow in Bangalore next month.
The first prototype of the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) developed by HAL and due for induction into the Indian Air Force by 2012-13, will make its first flight during the airshow. LCH made its first test flight was in March 2010 and has since performed over 20 test flights, paving the way for the upcoming weapon testing phase on the second prototype, which will also be shown at Bangalore in the static display. Two more prototypes are under construction. HAL commenced work on the LCH in 2006. The helicopter is an attack variant of the HAL Dhruv, which is already operational with the Indian armed forces. HAL has tentative orders to deliver 65 LCHs to the IAF and over 100 to the Army.
