Anony
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According to sources close to idrw.org, HAL is planning to have first flight of LCH TD-3 somewhere in October this year; Mock up of TD-3 cockpit was fabricated earlier this year in February and feedback has been taken from IAF and Army pilots for changes to be made to cockpit and suggestions for further improvements to it .
TD-3 will be lighter than its predecessors and will feature reduced cockpit dimensions, improved cockpit vision, modification to door and door locking mechanism. TD-3 will be final configuration in development of Light combat Helicopter (LCH) by HAL and all the feedback by IAF and Army will be incorporated in TD-3 before it goes into production.
Once TD-3 is ready along with TD-2 will join weapons trials, HAL also plans to conduct second round of Hot and cold weather trials in 2013 and 2014. According to sources once TD-3 joins test flight, IOC can be achieved by September 2014.
HAL has a firm order to deliver 65 LCH to the IAF and 114 to the Army. The LCH second prototype, TD-2 completed sea level trials in July 2012 last year, trials covered helicopter performance, loads measurement, and handling qualities. About 40 % of the ALH systems are incorporated into LCH, which includes transmission systems, rotor system, propulsion and some electrical and avionics which will reduce cost of LCH and will be easier to maintain.