New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF is set to induct the country’s first squadron of Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) HAL Rudra in the first week of October. The 10 Rudra helicopters or one squadron will be stationed in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The 10 helicopters will be handover to the Air Force by the maker Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on October 8. The day, we celebrate Air Force Day.
Lieutenant General AK Suri, Director General & Colonel Commandant Army Aviation Corps carried out live firing from Rudra Helicopter during his visit to Aviation Brigade & lauded all Army Aviators for combat readiness.#IndianArmy#StrongAndCapable pic.twitter.com/wsRnsJ0IYw
— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) September 2, 2021
According to reports, the Indian Army has planned to purchase 95 LCHs for deploying them for combat roles in the mountains. Earlier this year in March, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) sanction the amount to purchase of 15 Limited Series Production (LSP) variants of the LCH. Of the total 15 helicopters, 10 are for the IAF and five for the Army.
The HAL Rudra is designed as the Attack helicopter by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HCL). It is a two-seater helicopter. Notably, the company handed over the first Rudra helicopter to the Indian Army in February 2013.
Attack capacity of Indian helicopter
Rudra has a length of 15.8m and a height of 4.9m. According to the details of Army Technology, the Rudra’s maximum take-off weight is 5,500kg. It can fly with a payload of 2,600kg.
The helicopter is equipped with RWS-300 radar-warning sensor, MAW-300 missile-approach warning sensor, and LWS-310 laser warning sensor. The stub wings of the Rudra can be loaded with up to eight Helina (Helicopter-launched Nag) anti-tank guided missiles, four MBDA Mistral short-range air-to-air missiles or four rocket pods for 68mm/70mm rockets.
The automatic cannon of Rudra is capable of firing 750 rounds per minute for an effective range of 2,000m.
Hal Rudra engine detial
HAL Rudra generates power from two HAL/ Turbomeca Ardiden 1H1 (Shakti) turboshaft engines. It is said to deliver a maximum continuous power of 1,067kW.
The engine churns out the maximum continuous speed of 270km/h. In the case of more speed, the helicopter can fly at a speed of 300km/h. The range capacity of Rudra is 660km. The helicopter can reach a maximum altitude of 20,000ft.
