The Indian Air Force is one of the crucial arms of the Indian Armed Force and is one of the most prestigious contingents to work with. Since 1950, the Air Force hasparticipated in 4 wars with neighboring Pakistan. Its primary mission includes securing Indian Airspace and to conduct aerial warfare during armed conflict. To complete its objectives, it needs a strong fleet of aircraft and aviation tools. With Combat Aircrafts providing the edge in attacking, it’s the Combat helicopters that provide the stability and strength to back it up. Helicopters like the Boeing Apache or the Mil Mi-24, each play an important role in the air Force. Here are 10 leading helicopters of India Air Force:
1. Boeing AH-64 Apache Produced by the United States of America, the Boeing AH-64 Apache is a twin turboshaft attack helicopter. It has a tail wheel-type landing gear arrangement and a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition. It also consists of a 30 mm M230 chain gun. Indian Army currently has 22 operational Boeing AH-64 Apache.
2. Mil Mi-24 Produced by Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in Russia, the Mil Mi-24 is an attack helicopter with room for eight passengers. It is used by countries from all around the world and as many as 49 nations including Russia have been operating it since 1972. Indian Army currently has 15 operational Mil Mi-24.
3. HAL Rudra Developed and manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL Rudra is an armed helicopter with the Indian Army. It is equipped loaded with attacking features such as a 20 mm turret gun, 70 mm rocket pods, forward-looking infrared (FLIR), anti-tank guided missiles, and air-to-air missiles. Indian Army currently has 16 operational HAL Rudra.
4. CH-47 Chinook Produced by American Aerospace Company Boeing, the CH-47 Chinook is a double-engine transport helicopter. The CH-47 is among the heaviest lifting of Western helicopters, it has a payload of around 10,886kg and can carry 33-55 troops. The Indian Army currently has 15 operational Chinook CH-47.
5. Mil Mi-26 Another aircraft produced by Russian design group Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant, The Mil Mi-26 is a heavy lift cargo helicopter. On 14 December 2010, an Indian Air Force Mi-26 crashed seconds after taking off from Jammu Airport, injuring all nine passengers. The aircraft fell from an altitude of about 15 meters (50 ft). Indian Army currently has 3 Mil Mi-26 aircraft.
6. HAL Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) Designed and manufactured by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the HAL Light Combat Helicopter is a multi-role attack helicopter used by the Indian Air Force. Its flight ceiling is amongst the highest in all attack helicopters. HAL LCH was most notably used during the Kargil war in 1999. India currently has 2 operational HAL LCH.
7. HAL Dhruv Designed and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL Dhruv is a Utility helicopter that was introduced in 2002. It has a capacity of up to 12 passengers and 2 crew members. Its Avionics include an RWS-300 radar warning system or LWS-310 laser warning system, MAW-300 missile approach warning system, SAAB IDAS-3 self-protection suite, BOP-L ECM dispenser. The Indian Army has currently 123 HAL Dhruv aircraft.
8. HAL Light Utility Helicopter Another Hindustan Aeronautics Limited developed aircraft, the Light Utility Helicopter is a Utility helicopter designed by the Rotary Wing Research and Design Center. It has a capacity of 6 passengers and 2 crew members. The Indian Army currently has placed an order for 12 HAL LUH Helicopters.
9. HAL Chetak The HAL Chetak was built under a licensing agreement between French Aerospace Company Aérospatiale and Hindustan Aerospace Limited. The helicopter is suitable for commuting, cargo/material transport, casualty evacuation, Search & Rescue (SAR), Aerial Survey & Patrolling, Emergency Medical Services, Off-shore operations, and under-slung operations. The Indian Army currently incorporates 77 HAL Chetak.
10. HAL Cheetah Designed by French Aerospace Company Aérospatiale and Hindustan Aerospace Limited, the Cheetah Helicopter is a high-performance helicopter designed for operation over a very wide range of weight, the center of gravity, and altitude conditions. It holds the world record in high altitude flying among all categories of Helicopters. The Indian Army currently has 17 HAL Cheetah.
