Naval LCH? Why not say Naval Source

[sudhir007]

Naval LCH? Why not say Naval Source | idrw.org

A Naval Source close to idrw.org has indicated that Navy is closely observing development of Light combat helicopter currently under development by State run Hindustan aeronautics limited (HAL).

Source also mentioned that currently Navy is not actually thinking of Inducting any LCH in its fleet , but initial success in the project ,has made Navy take notice of the project , but there are sceptical if a Marine variant can be developed based on it . Air force and Indian army both put together have a current order of more than 150 of this locally developed Light attack helicopter.

Navy is the only armed force in India, which has rejected induction of Naval version of ALH also known has Dhruv due HAL’s inability to fix problems of excess vibration and Rotor blade folding issues in its Naval Variant of Dhruv .

Sources also informed that Navy has officially not shown any interest in the project, but is observant on LCH , Defence expert Rajesh Sharma believes that Marine or Naval Variant can be used from amphibious assault ship and also for coastal surveillance , specially for action against pirates ,but then again according to him Indian Army and Indian air force will be inducting close to 700 new helicopters in between them in next decade or so , Navy been the smallest Helicopter fleet operator of the three armed forces , it might be just curiosity of not to be left behind .

 

[angeldemon_007]

Good.....but i think IN should pay more interest in IMRH because IN will be in need of large number of helicopters with the coming of 2 ACs and 4 LPDs (if LHD is selected then more)....

 

[tvsram1992]

Navy needs Naval LCA than Naval LCH.

 

[SR 71 Blackbird]

Naval LCH could used as a fire support platform for MARCOS

 

[sancho]

Naval LCH could used as a fire support platform for MARCOS

From which vessel? A Frigat, mainly carries a 1 helicopter, so adding LCH is not possible and the LDPs that IN wants has only space for 2 large, or 4 medium transport helicopters, which rules out LCH again. IN really should stop wasting money by procuring aircrafts only because they are indigenous developed, but not useful for their operations.
LCHs makes only sense for the navy if they plan to procure LHDs and have the requirement to support troop landings, or like the French and UK do it in Libya now, for helicopter raids: