in other news, the HJT-36 Sitara is apparently very close to achieving IOC as well! This went completely under the radar, with some news report from a few months ago suggesting that the spin and stall characteristics were causing some issues.
In Tejas’ shadow, Sitara trainer also poised to enter service
Thats about $6.5 million per unit for the IJT at current exchange rates.
Should be anytime in the next coming weeks.
Evolution of LCH
Original concept 2001-2003:- More or less HAL Dhruv with Tandem seat arrangement
Redesigned concept mock up:- significant redesign keeping radar cross section reduction in mind.
Further redesign to a more practical shape (2008).
First Prototype TD-1, March 2010
Second Prototype TD-2, June 2011
– Significant weight reduction
– Wing Stub redesign
Modified second prototype TD-2 June 2013
– Further redesign of wing stub
– Addition of extra armor plates on cockpit
– Addition of cowling on the landing gear
Further modifications in TD-2 expected (early 2014):-
– Addition of sensor package
– Weaponisation of TD-2
Roll out of TD-3 in early 2014, may feature
-Redesigned exhaust for thermal signature reduction
-Smaller windows.
-Electronic Warfare suite and defensive aides suite.
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From recent crucial sea level trials at Chennai
The second prototype (TD-2) of Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) successfully completed the sea-level trials at Air Force Station, Tambaram in Chennai, last month. A product of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the LCH — painted in camouflage colours — had the trials
from October 28 to November 23. The extensive trials were carried out to validate the design improvements implemented on the prototype based on the feedback from initial sea-level trials carried out during June 2012.
A company official told Express that a total of 32 flights were carried out covering helicopter performance, load measurement, handling qualities for various all-up weights (with external stores installed), bank turns and spot turns, low speed handling, single engine performance and auto-rotation. “Considerable improvements have been observed in the performance parameters in comparison with the earlier sea-level trials. All the test points planned were completed successfully with no major snags observed. Representatives of customers and certifying authorities were present during the trials,” the official said.
Based on the feedback on various tests done on LCH TD-1, the designers have gone for optimum transmission, modified rotor system and additional weight-reduction on TD-2. “The TD-1 had dummy weapons and sensors. Now, the TD-2 will prepare itself for hot weather trials and we will integrate mission sensors and weapons,” the official added.
Confirming the trials, HAL chairman R K Tyagi said that the LCH programme is steadily progressing as per the script. “One phase of trials got over in Chennai and now we are looking forward to other critical missions. The lessons learnt from the Dhruv experience is coming handy to our designers, engineers and Test pilots,” Tyagi said.
Since its first flight in June 2011, the LCH TD-2 has so for logged 96 flying hours (146 sorties). The LCH first prototype (TD1) had its maiden flight on March 29, 2010 and has to its credit over 140 sorties. HAL is in the process of accelerating the prototype development flight testing of LCH to achieve the proposed initial operational clearance (IOC) by December 2015. The company now plans to add another prototype (LCH TD-3) to the flight-line by next year.
http://tarmak007.blogspot.in/2013/12/second-lch-prototype-completes.html
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