The Prime Minister handed over two miniature drones (‘SWITCH 10 UAV’ and ‘MR-20’) of Light Combat Helicopters (HAL’s LCH), indigenously built by Indian startups, to the Air Force.
The LCH is mainly built under the ‘Make in India’ scheme with the participation of private industry.
Introduction:
LCH is a new instrument for the Helicopter Division of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). This twin engine helicopter is a dedicated combat helicopter of 5 to 8 ton class.
The LCH incorporates advanced technologies and stealth facilities for effective combat roles and is designed to meet roles such as enemy air defence, counterintelligence, exploration and rescue, anti-tank, counter surface force operations, etc.
The LCH is the only attack helicopter in the world that can land and take off at an altitude of 5,000 meters with a substantial load of weapons and fuel.
It is also effective in temperatures ranging from minus 50 °C on snowy peaks to 50 °C in deserts.
The LCH will eventually be deployed in service along the Line of Actual Control with China, in addition to the AH-64E Apache helicopters.
‘Switch 1.0 UAV’ and ‘MR-20:
Switch 1.0 UAV:
SWITCH 1.0 UAV, with its unparalleled capabilities of 1.5 hours flight duration and 15 kms, can fly at altitudes of more than 4500 meters.
It has an endurance of about 90 minutes and will support surveillance operations of the Indian Army under harsh environments and extreme altitudes for day and night surveillance along India’s borders.
‘MR-20’:
The MR-20 hexacopter drone is capable of carrying a load of up to 20 kg.
It will be used to transport food, essential commodities, emergency medical aid, ammunition and weapons to troops stationed at high altitude in forward areas.
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