- HAL Light Utility Helicopter
The single-engine powered helo is a new generation aircraft developed by the Rotary Wing Research and Design Centre (RWR&DC) as a replacement for the aging fleet of the Cheetah and Chetak Helicopters currently deployed in High-Altitude regions because of their light weight and enhanced maneuverability courtesy of the light skeleton frames.. Though still in development the LUH has reached the last stages of testing and operational readiness, a majority of these Helicopters will be deployed with the Indian Army for the Army Aviation Corps. It can cruise at 235 kmh and has a top speed of 260 kmh, flying up to 6.5 kilometers. The LUH can also take-off with a maximum weight of 3.1 Tonnes.
- HAL Light Combat Helicopter
The Light Combat Helicopter is one of the shining beacons of Indian Defence Manufacturing. Designed by the RWR&DC the LCH is a technological marvel built to perform exemplarily at the toughest battle conditions on Earth. Using the experience gained from the development of the HAL Dhruv, the LCH shares several parts too. It is armed to the teeth, a M621-20 mm Nexter cannon which is mounted below the nose which is integrated onto the helmet mounted sights. 70 mm Anti-Tank missiles are also mounted along with air-to-air missiles for Aerial targets. The LCH is intended to be deployed alongside the Apache AH-64 attack helicopter, it has received all certifications and has already been deployed in Ladakh amid rising tensions with China.
- HAL Advanced Light Helicopter Dhruv
The Dhruv is a utility helicopter made by HAL and one of the marvels that the Indian Defence industry has fielded these helicopters in its different variants in all the forces including the BSF. Dhruv entered service in 2002 and serves mainly as a utility helicopter along with Medical and even offensive roles. The LCH and the LUH are based on the platform of the Dhruv. More than 300 in number have been built with civilian versions also available, a Mk II version with improved power and avionics and now a Mk III variant is in use. The Dhruv is also exported to other countries in its Military and Civilian configurations.
- Sarang Helicopter Display team
The Sarang Helicopter air display team is unique, as they are capable of extreme maneuvers in the locally made HAL Dhruv helicopters. Active since 2003 the team has earned several accolades around the world, the word Sarang means Peacock which is quite evident with the Peacock feather paint on the helicopters. The team consists of specially modified versions of the HAL Dhruv, with lighter gross weights and enhanced performance and aerodynamics to enable the choppers to undertake the extreme and dangerous maneuvers.
- Boeing AH-64E Apache Longbow
Often regarded as the world’s foremost combat helicopter, the Apache is a lethal machine fitted with a nose mounted sensor that can acquire and engage targets in any weather and any light condition. The M230 chain-fed 30 mm machine gun is mounted below the nose and is also fitted with a helmet mounted target-acquisition system. There are also Hellfire missiles and Anti-tank missiles mounted on the pylons. The Apache is also fitted with the State-of-the-art Longbow radar, the helo also has advanced tracking and engaging capabilities and can attack up to 10 different targets in one battlefield.
- Boeing CH-47 Chinook
One of the most familiar helicopters in the world, the twin-tandem rotor design is rather iconic. The Chinook currently serves as the heavy-lift aircraft. The Chinook is well capable of carrying armored vehicles, and is highly maneuverable, making it an integral part of the special operations. It can carry heavy loads and thanks to its twin-rotor configuration maintain stable flight better than single rotor helicopters can. The IAF operates 15 of these.
- HAL Rudra
The Rudra is a derivative of the HAL Dhruv, and has mainly been created to fill the gap between combat helicopters and utility helicopters. The Rudra is the first armed helicopter which has been designed indigenously, it is mainly used by the Army Aviation Corps which operates 50 of them, with the IAF number unclear. It is sufficiently armed with 20 mm turret, Mistral air-to-air missiles and 70mm rockets. The cockpit is reinforced with the use of carbon-fibre and Kevlar making it secure for active combat missions.
- Mil Mi-17
The most widely used chopper in India the Russian made Mi-17 is a workhorse of the IAF. India operates Mi-17 V5 variants which is an advanced version and has 151 of these. They serve as the main utility and transport helicopter in the IAF, from carrying troops to supplies to the farthest regions of the Indian territory while also serving as the go-to helicopter for Special operations of the Para SF and the National Security Guard. The cockpit is equipped with Multi Function Displays, Night-vision equipment and all-weather radar. The Mi-17 V5 is often armed with Rocket pods or the remaining pylons used for extended range drop tanks.
- HAL Cheetal
The HAL license built version of the Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama from France. It is specially designated and designed to operate in the extremely Hot conditions of the desert and the High and very cold weather conditions of the Himalayas. The Heetal however is an upgraded variant of the Cheetah, the new engine and avionics provide enchanted speed and maneuverability.
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