Indigenously Developed LCH Inducted

Current Context: The first locally developed multirole Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) was inducted by the Minister of Defence, Rajnath Singh, into the Indian Air Force (IAF).

• The LCH is officially named “Prachand”, meaning “fierce”, and was formally inducted into the Helicopter Unit 143– in Jodhpur Base, Rajasthan.
• It is designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• It is an indigenously developed 5.5-ton combat helicopter that is equipped with night attack capability, numerous stealth features, landing gear, and armored protection.
• With a high-altitude performance capability and a range of 550 km, the LCH is capable of conducting counter-insurgency operations and neutralizing adversaries’ air defense.
• The Cabinet Committee on Security (CSS) had earlier approved the procurement of the 15 LCH Limited Series Production (LSP) costing Rs. 3,887 crores.
• Out of 15 LCH LSP, 10 are meant for the IAF and 05 are for the Indian Army.

Question:

Q.1 The first indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) are designed and developed by?

a. ISRO
b. DRDO
c. HAL
d. BHEL