The Indian Army is one of the most prestigious contingents in the world. The Indian Air Force, the air power of the Indian Armed Forces, stands at the third position among the air forces of the world. This article features some of the top most helicopter used by the Indian Army.
- Boeing AH-64: The Indian Army possesses 22 Boeing AH-64 Apache’s. It is the twin turboshaft attack helicopter produced by the United States of America. It’s landing gear comes in with a tail-wheel type arrangement. It features a nose-mounted sensor suite that is ideal for target acquisition. Along with it, it also possesses a 30 mm M230 chain gun.
- Mil Mi-26: The next on the list is the Mil Mi-26, produced by Russian design group, Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant. This aircraft is capable of lifting heavy cargos. The Indian Army currently possess 3 Mil Mi-26 aircraft. In the year 2010, an Indian Air Force Mi-26 crashed which injured 9 passengers. The aircraft crashed seconds after it took off from Jammu Airport.
- HAL Dhruv: The Indian, HAL Dhruv aircraft, developed and designed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is another prized possession of the Indian Army. It is an utility helicopter which was introduced in the year 2002. It can hold up to 12 passengers and 2 crewmembers. The aircraft features RWS-300 radar warning system or LWS-310 laser warning system, MAW-300 missile approach warning system, SAAB IDAS-3 self-protection suite and BOP-L ECM dispenser.
- Mil Mi-24: Another Russian designed helicopter in Indian Army’s aircraft catalogue is the Mil Mi-24, produced by the Mil Moscow Helicopter Plant in Russia. It is an 8-passenger attack helicopter. The Indian Army at present possess 15 operational Mil Mi-24. This aircraft has been in use ever since 1972 by around 49 nations all across the world, including Russia.
- HAL Rudra: Another Indian designed helicopter that the Indian Army possess is the HAL Rudra, which the Hindustan Aeronautics Private Limited manufactures and develops. The HAL Rudra is an armed helicopter. This helicopter houses attacking features such as a 20mm turret gun, 70 mm rocket pods, forward-looking infrared (FLIR), anti-tank guided missiles and air-to-air missiles. The Indian Army currently possesses 16 operational HAL Rudra.
- Chinook CH-47: The Indian Army currently possesses 15 operational Chinook CH-47. The American Aerospace Company Boeing produced this double-engine transport helicopter. This comes in as one of the heaviest lifting Western helicopters. It has a payload of around 10,886 kg and is capable of carrying 33-55 troops.
- HAL Light Combat Helicopter: Another Indian designed aircraft is the HAL Light Combat Helicopters (LCH). The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited designed and manufactured this helicopter. It is a multi-role attack helicopter. It possesses the highest flight ceiling among all the attack helicopters. The Army used it in the 1992 Kargil War. Indian currently possesses 2 operational HAL LCH.
- HAL Light Utility Helicopter: Another utility helicopter in the Indian Army’s possession is the HAL Light Utility Helicopter. The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited developed it. The Rotary Wing Research and Design Center designed this helicopter. It can hold 6 passenger and 2 crew members. The Indian Army previously placed an order for 12 HAL Light Utility Helicopters.
- HAL Cheetah: The French Aerospace Company Aerospatiale and Hindustan Aerospace Limited designed the HAL Cheetah. It is a high-performance helicopter meant to operate over a very wide range of weight, the center of gravity and altitude conditions. It is the world record holder among all the helicopters for the highest altitude-flying helicopter. The Indian Army currently possess 17 HAL Cheetahs.
- HAL Chetak: A license agreement between the French Aerospace Company Aerospatiale and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited led to the creation of the HAL Chetak. This helicopter is meant to commute cargo/material transport, casualty evacuation, Search & Rescue (SAR), Aerial Survey & Patrolling, Emergency Medical Services, Off-shore operations and under-slug operations. The Indian Army currently possesses 77 HAL Chetaks.
