How did India’s indigenous attack helicopter face America’s deadly AH-64E?

Recently, in a deal worth more than US$198.2 million, the US State Department approved the potential sale of support services and relatedEquipment for Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to India. The State Department said the sale will improve India’s ability to respond to current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and deter regional threats.In April, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi flew in India’s indigenously built combat helicopter, the Light Combat.The helicopter (LCH), ‘Prachanda’, is assessing its performance, agility and mission readiness. This raises a question: If India has its own combat helicopters, why does it continue to rely on its Russian and American counterparts? And how does it compare to Apache LCH?

numbers and capacity

According to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Prachanda has a 2-pilot crew, maximum take-off weight 5,800 kg, maximum speed 280 km/h.km/h, a cruise speed of 260 km/h, payload-dependent operational range between 550 and 700 km, a climb rate of 12 meters per second, and the world’s highest operational ceiling of 6,500 metres.On the other hand, according to Boeing, the twin-seater US-made Boeing AH-64E Apache has a maximum take-off weight of 10,432 kg.Speed ​​of 300 km/h, cruise speed of 265 km/h, combat range of 480–500 km, service ceiling of 6,400 m and climb rate of about 14.2 meters per second.Compared to the Apache, the Prachanda has almost the same cruise speed, a larger operating range (the highest), and a larger operational range.Apache excels in terms of double the maximum take-off weight, top speed and faster climb rate. However, combat helicopters have specifications regarding their operational requirements.

various operational requirements

According to HAL, Prachanda has the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land in Siachen, the world’s highest battlefield. itIt was specifically designed after the need for a light combat helicopter was realized during the Kargil war, which could operate in the high and harsh Himalayan terrain of Siachen, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. It weighs just 5.8 tonnes, which is almost half the weight of the Apache.

Light Combat Helicopter, Prachanda

The American equivalent is for the flat plains, deserts, and semi-desert areas along India’s western and northwestern borders.(Like Rajasthan and Punjab). Which explains its almost double maximum take-off weight compared to the LCH. India requires the capabilities of both helicopters for its overall operational requirements.

AH-64E, Apache

replacement of aging fleet

The entire Air Force is undergoing a modernization process, with the aging fleet being actively replaced. during inductionAt the ceremony of Apache helicopters in 2019, the then Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa had said, “Apache combat helicopters are being purchased to replace the Mi-35 fleet. Apaches have been an integral part of many historical campaigns around the world. These aircraft have been specially modified to meet the exacting standards demanded by the Indian Air Force.Highlighting India’s military capabilities, the US State Department said, “India will have no difficulty in integrating these goods and services into its armed forces.”Regarding the deal the US State Department said, “This proposed sale will support foreign policy and national security objectivesOn behalf of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship and improving the security of a major defense partner“Remains an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.”Earlier on April 9, the Indian Army had demonstrated the combat power of AH-64 Apache during the live firing exercise ‘Brahmastra’.Pokhran Firing Range. The Army’s performance underlined its growing focus on high-precision, network-centric warfare.The Boeing AH-64 Apache is one of the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters. It is equipped with 30mm chainThe gun can carry Hellfire anti-tank missiles and Hydra rockets, and has advanced targeting systems such as Longbow radar and night-vision sensors. Like Prachanda, Apache AH-64E also has the capability to operate in all weather conditions including night.