more Apaches . any updates on LCH?

[Surya 1]

Instead of LCH India looking for Apache

Both for different roles. LCH is a very light chopper and customized for high altitude warfare. We are going to buy it in very big number too.

instead of Tejas India Looking for F-16's and Gripen

LCA is yet not ready. It will take another 5 years for MK1+ to come in. we need a big number immediately as our Mig 21, Mig 27 has outlived their life completely. LCA is already ordered in big Numbers 120+ and there shall be 80+ MK2 taking total to 200+. Whatsoever we get is going to come with technology so that is also an added advantage.

 

[Abingdonboy]

It has been known for a while that the Indian military will shortly be on board for a far bigger number of attack helicopters than it has ever operated before, there are finally numbers on the table. Livefist can now confirm that India has an express requirement of 39 additional AH-64 Apaches, over and above the 22 originally contracted in September last year. The requirement has been officially defined by the Indian MoD and communicated to Boeing. Of the 39, the first 11 will be options locked to the original contract, with the same price and configuration. The additional 28 will be a freshly negotiated government-to-government contract that could include configuration changes. These new figures also provide the first fleet numbers that the Apache will sport in Indian service: 33 with the Indian Air Force (22 contracted + 11 options at 2009 price) and 28 with the Indian Army. Sources say the additional contract for 28 aircraft could be signed before deliveries of the the original 22 begin in 2019.

The stated numbers are interesting and effectively mean the Indian military is looking at operating roughly four attack helicopter squadrons split between the IAF and Army (the IAF technically operates two squadrons of the Mi-25/35 now, though availability means numbers closer to a single squadron at any given time, or less). While the two services haven’t fully cleared up differences in command and control — the Army still insists on full control of battlefield air assets to the exasperation of the IAF — there hasn’t been any real doctrinal “settlement” on how things will move operationally forward. Livefist learns that an existing document specifically detailing the use of attack helicopters between the IAF and Army will be refreshed and updated before deliveries to the IAF begin in 2019.

In September last year, India signed up after protracted negotiations for 22 AH-64E Apaches, half of which will be Longbows. The Boeing-Tata manufacturing joint venture that’s coming up in Hyderabad will deliver the first Indian-built Apache fuselage in 2018, and will service standing orders for at least 200 new airframes for Boeing’s customers around the world. When ready, it will be the world’s sole global supplier of Apache fuselages
Source-- http://www.livefistdefence.com/2016/11/yes-india-wants-a-lot-more-apaches.html

The difference between the LCH and Apache at high altitudes is going to be in maneuverability. The LCH will turn out to be more agile and have higher performance in general because it is custom-designed to fight at higher altitudes. The Apache, on the other hand, is a brute-force machine, matching the LCH up to the Himalayas for payload, but losing out in agility. The Apache will be less agile than the LCH but will take more hits and keep flying. Where the LCH will look to evade and survive, the Apache will turn to its armor.

LCH is even Better then Apache then why India is buying Apache ??

Instead of LCH India looking for Apache
instead of Tejas India Looking for F-16's and Gripen
Instead of Arjun Tank India is going for T-90's

not trolling just asking

70-80 Apaches will eventually be operated by the IA and IAF and 170+ LCH.

Apaches and LCH are complimentary products, not competitors at all.

The Apaches will be used primarily in the Western Sectors, the LCHs in the Northern and Eastern where high altitude performance is the requirement and this is what the LCH has been specifically designed for.

The article states that half of the apaches in the 22 being procured will be longbows. Does that mean half will be AH-64D and the other half being AH-64E?

All will be AH-64Es but Longbows/Non-Longbows will be operated on a 1:2 ratio (US Army operates on a 1:3 ratio).

 

[Super Commando Dhruva]

The difference between the LCH and Apache at high altitudes is going to be in maneuverability. The LCH will turn out to be more agile and have higher performance in general because it is custom-designed to fight at higher altitudes. The Apache, on the other hand, is a brute-force machine, matching the LCH up to the Himalayas for payload, but losing out in agility. The Apache will be less agile than the LCH but will take more hits and keep flying. Where the LCH will look to evade and survive, the Apache will turn to its armor.

LCH is even Better then Apache then why India is buying Apache ??

Instead of LCH India looking for Apache
instead of Tejas India Looking for F-16's and Gripen
Instead of Arjun Tank India is going for T-90's

not trolling just asking

L for Light meaning it can fight wars at high attitudes like in kargil. During the kargil war we lost two of our war planes not because you guys were too good but because they were flying too low. There is no copper in the world that fight at 18000 plus height fully loaded. Most likely AH would be deployed in plains, punjab and Rajasthan. You can not take MI 35 to kargil.

You have a valid point for LCA, I think its the urgency to make 42 sqn as soon as possible. Son we are not buying F 16 without TOT. Sweden is ready for 100% TOT that can help us in Mark 2, we are already trying to open second assembly line for Tejas.

Do you know why we purchased T 90, probably No. we purchased 90s in hurry because you guys had purchased T 80s for Ukraine, T 80s were much modern then T 72 then.

In short LCH is light AH Heavy both are in Different class, your question is irrelevant
IAF need Mark II sooner or later, by then we have to make 42 Sqd
Son we have already inducted Mark 1 Arjun and soon M 2 will be inducted, Our best friend Israel helped us.
I hope I have answered your questions.