After successful completion of basic performance flight testing and outstation trials for cold weather, hot weather and hot and high altitude testing in the year 2015, the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) has achieved yet another milestone by satisfactory firing of Rockets (70 mm) from its prototype, TD-3 in weaponized configuration.
“The initial rocket firing trials have been carried out at Jaisalmer, establishing satisfactory integration of hardware and software, structural integrity and safe separation of rocket ammunition. Integration of weapons such as Rocket, Turret Gun (20 mm) and Air to Air Missile on LCH will further continue”, said T Suvarna Raju, CMD, HAL.
“These trials give us confidence for carrying out certification firing trials planned during Apr-May 2016”, he added.
LCH will participate in IAF’s 'Iron Fist 2016’ exercise on March 18, 2016. The LCH TD-3 is integrated with Electo-Optical (EO) System, Solid State Digital Video Recording System (SSDVR) and 70mm Rocket system in conjunction with an updated Glass Cockpit software to cater for rocket firing.