IAF begins Apache trials

RAT

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Apache is a good choice but I have a question what about maintenence as we are primarily using Russian choppers and we know how to fix these it will be a different machines to work on time taken for training and spares not included
 

Yusuf

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Indian RFQs these days are for lifetime maintenance. So all that should not be an issue. Even if there was any problem, we need to diversify and get used to different systems too. We need the best and not anything from the rest.
 

JBH22

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What happened to the Ka-52 is it not in competition it looks beastly this chopper and IMHO could answer to India's problem since it has been developed taking into consideration the problems Mi-24 had in the mountainous and narrow valleys of Afghanistan.
 

prateikf

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hope the deal is signed and not cancelled like so many other deals
 

thakur_ritesh

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hope the deal is signed and not cancelled like so many other deals
if the deal is to be signed with the americans there is no way the MoD or MoF or some other ministry can cancel it since then you have the PMO at the highest level involved.
 

Mustang

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yes just 22 is such a tiny number. that small number would not be sufficient for a nation such as Israel. India which has vast boundaries need's much more than 22. But hope at least they buy something. The way things are going it would be a great thing just for the contract to be concluded and the weapon system to be inducted.
May be the decision to buy such a small number is to protect only a small portion of the country like arunachal pradesh. These may not be deployed on the western sector.
 

JBH22

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Some important parameters figures are taken from wikipedia

Kamov 50/52
Service Ceiling:5500m
Combat Radius:460km
Cruise Speed:270Km/h
Powerplant: 2× Klimov TV3-117VK turboshafts, 1,660 kW (2,226 shp) each

Mi-28
Service ceiling: 5,750 m (18,900 ft)
Combat Radius:460km
Maximum speed: 377 km/h
Powerplant: 2x Klimov TV3-117VM turboshafts, 1,640 kW (2,200 shp) each

Apache-64
Service ceiling: 21,000 ft (6,400 m) minimum loaded
Cruise Speed:265km/h
Combat radius:480km
Powerplant: 2× General Electric T700-701D: 2,000 shp
 

Yusuf

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Apache sure is clearly a technically superior fighting machine. It is suitable for out high altitude requirement. And we know the other specs makes it pretty much unparalleled
 

Kunal Biswas

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Ques: Why IAF is looking at foreign Helo when we have a flying LCH prototype?
 

JBH22

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Ques: Why IAF is looking at foreign Helo when we have a flying LCH prototype?
AS the name suggest Light combat helicopter we need something in heavier role to complement them plus we need a stopgap Mi-25 are very old now even with upgrade until LCH becomes fully operational.
 

SHASH2K2

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AS the name suggest Light combat helicopter we need something in heavier role to complement them plus we need a stopgap Mi-25 are very old now even with upgrade until LCH becomes fully operational.
If thats the case we need much more than just 22 of them . Also why DRDO is not working on heavier version of Combat Helicopter ?
 

Yusuf

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A weaponised dhruv is a viable option till a HCH comes along.
 

Neil

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If thats the case we need much more than just 22 of them . Also why DRDO is not working on heavier version of Combat Helicopter ?
may be DRDO want to experiment LCH before something heavier and more deadly....
we are buying 22 heli is because we already have enough attack heli....all being upgraded
 

JBH22

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If thats the case we need much more than just 22 of them . Also why DRDO is not working on heavier version of Combat Helicopter ?
Because they intend to produce AFAIK 165 LCH as from 2015 so with 20 Mi-25 and 22 New choppers its ok until the big fleet of LCH comes in.
 

SHASH2K2

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I think Dhruv and LCH has same engine and payloads . so why to waste time for weaponization of Dhruv . Better to concentrate on LCH and start a new program for HCH. Now DRDO has enough experience to start such program. only problem could be engine.
 

Kunal Biswas

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I think Dhruv and LCH has same engine and payloads . so why to waste time for weaponization of Dhruv . Better to concentrate on LCH and start a new program for HCH. Now DRDO has enough experience to start such program. only problem could be engine.
Armed Dhruv ( IAF version ) is being used by IAF for escort missions for MI-17/8s & MI-26..
Army may in use of Armed Dhruv..

Their is no need for HCH, Apache is a replacement for MI-23/25 from IAF service..
LCH can do all the task what Apache can do..
 

SHASH2K2

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Armed Dhruv ( IAF version ) is being used by IAF for escort missions for MI-17/8s & MI-26..
Army may in use of Armed Dhruv..

Their is no need for HCH, Apache is a replacement for MI-23/25 from IAF service..
LCH can do all the task what Apache can do..
Will LCH have same weapon load that apache have . Definitely a heavier helicopter will be able to carry more weapons. I am not sure about it maybe you know better than me as you are from military background.
 

avi

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LCH has different purpose. It belongs to different breed. 22 of them wouldn't be enough to protect even Arunanchal. Hope, it grows in to 200-300.
 

JBH22

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Will LCH have same weapon load that apache have . Definitely a heavier helicopter will be able to carry more weapons. I am not sure about it maybe you know better than me as you are from military background.
1 thing for sure LCH will have the Nag anti-tank missile aka HELINA (air launched version) plus all the usual mix of rockets,20mm machine gun etc.
The Indian environment in mountainous areas calls for light helicopters capable of operating at high altitude. Remember ACM Barbora termed the MI-24 as a good chopper but too heavy infact in the Soviet-Afghan war when operating at 4500m the Hind had problem to take off vetically when fully loaded it had to taxi like planes.Imho the Apache/Mi-28 will be like that but in Thar desert it will undoubtedly rock.
The reason why i think we should look at Russian choppers a second thought is they had first hand experience in a 10year afghan war about the role of attack helicopters,they suffered with the Stingers(though not like west exaggerates) also with their 2 campaigns in Chechnya they have some solid experience.
 

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