![IAF Chief reviews HAL’s LCH programme, takes a sortie](http://media.assettype.com/defencewatch%2Fimport%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2021%2F11%2F2124310768_5fb7b899aafec.jpg?w=480&auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max)
New Delhi/Bengaluru: Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria undertook his maiden flight in HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited) designed and developed Light Advanced Helicopter (LCH), which is planned to be inducted into the Indian defence forces in the near future, in Bengaluru on Friday. The aircraft took to the skies at 11.45 hours and remained airborne for about an hour. The CAS was accompanied by HAL's Deputy Chief Test Pilot, Wg Cdr (Retd) SP John.
While thanking all stakeholders of the LCH project, the Air Chief said "It was a very good sortie. I was able to look at the important flying characteristics and status of sensors already installed. The LCH is a potent platform due to excellent D&D efforts and a well-supported flight test team. The IAF is keenly looking forward to the induction of this aircraft and I am sure HAL will give required focus on productionisation at a fast pace."
HAL's Chairman & Managing Director R Madhavan thanked the Air Chief and said that HAL is geared up for productionisation of LCH to meet all the requirements of the Air Force.
LCH is a potent weapon platform because of its state-of-the-art systems and highly accurate weapons that are capable of hitting any type of target by day or night. The other features of LCH include its ability to operate in the complete 'Area of Responsibility' (AOR) and altitudes. It has the capability to carry adequate weapon load at high altitudes under varied conditions. All these characteristics make it most suitable for hot and high altitude operations.
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