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 Helicopters
were always a big business in India, and Aero-India provided
a venue to highlight some of the future trends in this domain.
India is planning to buy up to 80 new Mi-17 helicopters from
Russia. Boeing is also courting India for the sale of Chinook
heavy lift helicopters to fulfill heavy lift requirements. The
latest model of this helicopter, CH-47F was displayed at Aero
India 2007.Russia is also expected to deliver to the Indian
Navy six new Ka-32 naval helicopters, to be configured for anti-submarine
roles.
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Realizing the limitation capabilities of the Russian made Mi-35
gunship to operate at high elevations and hot environment India
is seeking to induct a light helicopter gunships capable of
operating at these conditions. As a stop gap, The IAF has modified
its Mi-17 medium lift transport helicopter by mounting machine
guns and rocket launchers on board but India is planning to
pursue an attack version of this helicopter, designed for operations
at high elevations. While the Drhuv helicopters made their daily
aerobatic displays at the flight line, HAL's static exhibit
focused on a full-scale mock-up of a future version of its attack
helicopter, based on the advanced light helicopter (ALH). The
Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is designed to provide an effective,
high altitude combat capability unattained by current helicopter
gunships. LCH will be capable of operating at an altitude above
15,000 ft. loaded  with
guns, rockets and missiles and equipped with an integral, stabilized
optronic turret. The new helicopter could augment the 12 ton
Mi-35 only attack helicopter currently serving with the Indian
Air Force. The new gunship is expected to have an avionic suite
based on the ALH's advanced cockpit. HAL is planning to roll
out the LCH prototype in 2008.
Under a parallel approach, Russia is set to unroll its own
10 ton class high-altitude helicopter gunships and is offering
India to join the program as a co-development partner. Russian
helicopter developer Kamov is already working on two designs,
the Ka-60 and Ka-52. Kamov plans to roll out the new KA-52 helicopter
gunship, which can be used at altitudes above 15,000 ft. The
Mil design bureau is also working on a 10-ton class heavy lift
troop carrying helicopter to be capable of operating at these
elevations.
Our report will cover the following topics:
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