HAL Prachand - Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)

[Akula]

How long until this helicopter reaches production? 30 years?

HAL new helicopter production plant in Tumkur, Karnataka can increase its production rate. If HAL produce 15-20 LCH every year than in 10-12 years orders will get complete.

 

[johnq]

There has been an effort by ISI/foreign agents to spread misinformation about indigenous products within the armed forces.
The harsh truth is that there has also been an effort in certain sectors to delay indigenous products by continuously changing the product requirements; this is funded by a substantial foreign weapons lobby.
In fact, indigenous product development has progressed in spite of being woefully funded. Just look at the money that has been spent by other countries on their weapons development programs and compare it to the amount that is spent on Indian indigenous programs.

 

[Tridev123]

I say that all Indian combat aviation platforms have an option for imported as well as home grown munitions. This bumps up export potential too. Sad that the designers didn't integrate an imported ATGM as an interim option to begin with. 100-200 odd Pars-3 or Hellfire or Spike ER would be pocket change for this capability to get activated initially. Later on when SANT and HELINA are ready the army/ iaf can pick and choose what they want and in what numbers.

FYI: The MWF will be the only platform in the world that can seamlessly integrate Indian, Russian, and Western munitions. Air forces using it will be spoiled for choice big time.

If a war like situation develops one cannot ground all our LCH and Rudra ALH helicopters because an indigenous ATGM is not ready and available. That would be very foolish.

I believe the LCH has cleared almost all the mandatory tests including hot weather (Rajasthan desert with temp > 50 Deg C), high altitude (Leh), sea level etc and is ready to enter mass production. It is a marvel of an attack helicopter and probably the only one which can operate at heights of 20,000 feet plus. Some thanks to the French for providing the engines optimised for high altitude ops.

A question. How good is the self defence suite installed on the LCH. The greatest threat to the LCH would be shoulder fired anti aircraft missiles. I believe a Swedish SAAB made defensive suite is present on the LCH. I hope it can handle missiles like the Stinger and Chinese equivalents.

It goes without saying that the LCH will be operated only when the area is sanitised of enemy fighter aircraft as helicopters are sitting ducks for fighters. There would not be any enemy SAM sites as our planes would have already done SEAD operations.

Any good news on the MWF Tejas mk2. When will the first prototype fly. Already we are late. China can provide the J10 anytime to Pakistan. Our Tejas mk1 cannot match the J10 and only the MWF Tejas mk2 can equal or exceed it.
Why does everything take so long in India. Nobody cares about deadlines and time schedule. Will the MWF be available at least by 2030.God only knows.

 

[LondonParisTokyo]

There has been an effort by ISI/foreign agents to spread misinformation about indigenous products within the armed forces.
The harsh truth is that there has also been an effort in certain sectors to delay indigenous products by continuously changing the product requirements; this is funded by a substantial foreign weapons lobby.
In fact, indigenous product development has progressed in spite of being woefully funded. Just look at the money that has been spent by other countries on their weapons development programs and compare it to the amount that is spent on Indian indigenous programs.

If this is known, then why has no defense miniser done anything about it? Sri Manohar Parrikar was the closest we had to a competent defense minister. Certainly better than the current one, but I believe he is trying. Going to Russia to buy old equipment was stupid though.

 

[patriots]

So harinair sir a helicopter test pilot with hal ....says ....lch and Rudras are flying without atgms...
If mod decides to integrate any atgm with lch and rudra ..hal willl do it...(input from brf)

 

[Lancer]

So harinair sir a helicopter test pilot with hal ....says ....lch and Rudras are flying without atgms...
If mod decides to integrate any atgm with lch and rudra ..hal willl do it...(input from brf)

There was an India today article on the emergency purchases after Galwan, in the infographic it mentioned an order for Spike ATGM's to be integrated on Rudras.

 

[patriots]

There was an India today article on the emergency purchases after Galwan, in the infographic it mentioned an order for Spike ATGM's to be integrated on Rudras.

Can you put the link here....
Ya spike is a better choice ....as it comes with 1/3 cost of helifire.,
But what I know that those spike atgms were for infantary soilder s

 

[Lancer]

Can you put the link here....
Ya spike is a better choice ....as it comes with 1/3 cost of helifire.,
But what I know that those spike atgms were for infantary soilder s

The panic buys

Amid border tensions with China, the armed forces go on a weapon buying spree. Even as a robust indigenous defence production set-up remains the need of the hour.

www.indiatoday.in

 

[patriots]

The panic buys

Amid border tensions with China, the armed forces go on a weapon buying spree. Even as a robust indigenous defence production set-up remains the need of the hour.

www.indiatoday.in

View attachment 59389

Y a saw that post but some wrong infos are there .....
Spyder er is a missile system not a missile

The SPYDER-SR™ and SPYDER-ER™ 360° slant launching missile systems provide quick-reaction, lock-on-before-launch (LOBL) and lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) capabilities, while extending the range of defense to up to a 40 km radius. SPYDER-MR and SPYDER-LR offer medium & long range target interception through vertical launch while pushing the defense envelope up to an 80 km radius. The SPYDER systems have advanced ECCM capabilities and use electro-optic observation payloads as well as wireless data link communication.
Iaf has bought

Again derby er is not integrated with any aircraft why iaf will buy derby er
Spike is not integrated with any helicopter..why india will buy this.....

 

[Lancer]

Y a saw that post but some wrong infos are there .....
Spyder er is a missile system not a missile

The SPYDER-SR™ and SPYDER-ER™ 360° slant launching missile systems provide quick-reaction, lock-on-before-launch (LOBL) and lock-on-after-launch (LOAL) capabilities, while extending the range of defense to up to a 40 km radius. SPYDER-MR and SPYDER-LR offer medium & long range target interception through vertical launch while pushing the defense envelope up to an 80 km radius. The SPYDER systems have advanced ECCM capabilities and use electro-optic observation payloads as well as wireless data link communication.
Iaf has bought

Again derby er is not integrated with any aircraft why iaf will buy derby er
Spike is not integrated with any helicopter..why india will buy this.....

Unnithan is pretty reliable on defense, so I don't know.

 

[LondonParisTokyo]

The panic buys

Amid border tensions with China, the armed forces go on a weapon buying spree. Even as a robust indigenous defence production set-up remains the need of the hour.

www.indiatoday.in

View attachment 59389

All foreign, nothing Atmanirbhar...

 

[Rohan Naik]

All foreign, nothing Atmanirbhar...

Jumle

 

[Suryavanshi]

The panic buys

Amid border tensions with China, the armed forces go on a weapon buying spree. Even as a robust indigenous defence production set-up remains the need of the hour.

www.indiatoday.in

View attachment 59389

Can we get the name's of people who make the list for procurement?

 

[Dessert Storm]

Can we get the name's of people who make the list for procurement?

Under Emergency Procurement Procedure, it's the Commanders who make it. Rest of it is the usual route.

 

[LondonParisTokyo]

Can we get the name's of people who make the list for procurement?

This type of list is absolutely critical actually. This is a GREAT and FANTASTIC idea. Is it possible to compile a list of what people are asking for what? And with that list, where each piece is from? This is the correct way of thinking to eliminate unnecessary foreign purchasing

 

[WolfPack86]

How does India’s LCH compares with Chinese Z-10 Attack Helicopter at High altitude
Once the world’s most peaceful disputed border for over five decades, The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is not the same now. The violent skirmishes between the Indian army and PLA at Galwan valley has changed the narrative. The Subsequent deployment of forces by both sides is a matter of concern. After the quid pro quo by the Indian army, the on-going disengagement talks don’t look like to be reached to an agreement soon, even after the consensus reached by the foreign ministers at the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). There is very little time for both India and China to reach the consensus. Hence Indian armed forces are preparing to embrace the harsh winter on the altitudes.


If the situation remains grim and any unusual event-will lead to more clashes or limited tit-for-tat reciprocal operations. In that case one of the concerns is the need for weapon systems at such altitudes. China has deployed its Type 15 lightweight tanks in the region, with its 105-millimeter caliber armor-piercing main gun, advanced fire control systems, and at approximate 36 tons weight, claiming that it can outgun any other light armored vehicles in high altitude regions.


After the Doklam incident in 2017, China has increased its ante in high altitude operations, this was well published in Global Times, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China (CPC), boasting about it they highlighted the development and system capabilities which are effective at high elevations such as GJ-2 strike drone, PCL-181 wheeled light howitzer and Z-20 light Utility helicopter. The Z-20 which was unveiled at the Fifth China Helicopter Exposition looks strikingly similar to the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter [1].


A similar situation arose two decades ago after the Kargil war, where it was apparent that there is a need for weapon systems suitable for high altitude operations. There were many systems to be upgraded or new ones to be procured such as Artillery (light howitzer were required), Infantry (light tanks around 30 tons), helicopters- to replace aging Cheetah, and chetak helicopters, etc.[2]


Certainly, there is a reaction to this stimulus but other than the on-going procurement of M777 Ultralight Howitzer, even which was delayed for years, the progress on other systems is very slow. We are no-where close to acquiring a light tank capable of steering in mountainous conditions in the least two years. To keep up the supply of logistics a light utility helicopter is required and New Delhi is in talks with Moscow for Kamov Ka-226T helicopters, which will be produced by a Joint Venture between India and Russia in India under the ‘Make in India’ program[3]. But the progress is at a snail’s pace. Apart from utility helicopters, there is also a need for combat/Attack helicopter to give air support to the forward troops or infantry at these locations.


Indian Military currently possesses Mil Mi-24, indigenously developed HAL Rudra, and newly acquired best in the class Boeing Ah-64 Apache helicopters in its arsenal[4]. These machines are formidable but are quite unsuitable for high altitude operations. We require anywhere around 6000 meters of Service ceiling to cater to the needs at such challenging conditions.


The Kargil war had revealed the need for an attack chopper suitable for high altitude operations. To meet the requirement both HAL and Indian armed forces explored viable options. In 2006, With previous experience from the indigenous HAL Dhruv Helicopter development, HAL announced that it has started a program called “Light combat Helicopter” or simply as LCH to produce the rotorcraft. In March 2010, LCH made its maiden flight, as of now a total of 4 prototypes are produced for intensive tests. Presently LCH is the lightest attack helicopter and its service ceiling is highest among all attack helicopters. It also holds the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land in Siachen[5].


On the other hand, the Chinese Military mainly PLA Ground Force operates changhe Z-8, Changhe Z-11, CAIC Z-10, and Harbin Z-19[6].Harbin Z-19 is a light attack helicopter based on the Harbin Z-9, which is a licensed version of the Euro copter Dauphin. The Z-19 is equipped with millimeter wave fire control radar, a turret with Infrared cameras, a laser rangefinder, and advanced Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS). But unlike most other helicopters it lacks a forward-mounted Machine Gun[7]. The Changhe Z-8 and Z-11 are not suitable for high altitude operations. This left’s us with CAIC Z-10.
So, its HAL light Combat Helicopter (LCH) V/s CAIC Z-10.


General Overview
Both Z-10 and LCH are narrow fuselage, stepped tandem cockpit design with two crew, and tricycle landing gear. The intent of both the helicopters remains the same and is to provide primary ground support for anti-armour or anti-tank warfare and secondary air-to-air capability. Z-10 has 5 blades main rotor and 5 blade tail rotors, it is a medium-weight Attack Helicopter (AH) with a maximum take-off weight of 7000 kg[8]. The LCH on the other hand is a light Attack Helicopter and has 4 plus 4 main and tail rotors with 5800 Kg maximum take-off weight[5]. Dimensionally either the helicopters more or less the same.


Power and Performance
Z-10 is powered by 2 X WZ-9 homegrown turboshaft engines with 1,300 hp each, it has a maximum speed of 270 Km/h with a range of 800 Km. It can reach a service ceiling of 6,400 meters and has a rate of climb of 10 m/s[8].
LCH is powered by 2 X HAL/Turbomeca Shakti-1H1 turbo shaft with 1,384 hp each. Turbomeca is a French manufacturer. This same Engine powers HAL Dhruv and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). It can reach a service ceiling of 6500 meters and has a rate of climb of 12 m/s[5].


Weapons
Z-10 has 23/25 mm revolver/autocannon as the main gun, an automatic grenade launcher can also be adapted to the turret next to the gun. With 4 hardpoints it can carry 57/90mm unguided rocket pods and up to 16 HJ-8/9/10 air-to-surface missiles, up to 16 TY-90 air-to-air missiles, and up to 4 PL-5/7/9 air-to-air missiles. But presently in any configuration, it can carry a maximum of 8 missiles, this is due to its engine limitations, but China has developed a more powerful engine WZ-16 with the help of the same Turbomeca to equip future or replace the WZ-9 engines. If Z-10 is powered by WZ-16 engines, then Z-10 can carry 16 missiles in any configuration[8].
LCH has 4 hardpoints and in various combinations, it can carry up to 4 X 70mm Thales Rocket pods, 2 X MBDA mistral air-to-air missiles or planned 4 X Helina anti-tank missiles and also it can carry other Cluster bombs, unguided bombs, or grenade launchers. The main gun is a 20 mm cannon by Nexter on a turret[5].


Avionics
Z-10 has a YH-96 Electronic warfare system that integrates radar warning receivers (RWR), laser warning receivers (LWR), electronic support measures (ESM), and electronic counter-measures (ECM) together. It is also equipped with a Blue-sky navigation pod, BM/KG300G self-protection jamming pod, KZ900 reconnaissance pod, helmet-mounted sight (HMS), identification friend or foe (IFF), and fly-by-wire system. Like most of its western counterparts, Z-10 has Helmet mounted display (HMD) with night vision goggles. Z-10 has solid-state fully digitized YH millimeter-wave (MMW) fire-control radar (FCR), which can provide multiple targeting in adverse weather conditions[8].
LCH has a target acquisition and designation system (TADS), electronic warfare suite by Saab comprising radar warning receiver (RWR), laser warning receiver (LWR), and a missile approach warning (MAW) system. It is also equipped with a network-centric integrated data link for the transfer of mission data with airborne and ground stations. The Onboard Elbit CoMPASS sensor suite facilitates target acquisition on all weather conditions. It also has a helmet-mounted sight (HMS). At present LCH doesn’t have fire-control radar (FCR), the Boeing Ah-64 Apache recently acquired by Indian Air Force has a longbow FCR, but there is a buzz that a new radar for LCH is being developed by HAL[5].


Defensive
Z-10 cockpit is protected by composite armor, the canopy is made of bulletproof glass and can stop 7.62mm rounds as well. careful attention has been given to reduce its electromagnetic characteristics to reduce the probability of being detected[9].
LCH possesses a relatively narrow fuselage and is equipped with stealth profiling, armour protection, it is also equipped with Chaff and flare dispensers[5].


Interpretation
Z-10 had its first flight on 29 April 2003, presently its already in service with PLA ground Air Force close to 300+ have been produced. LCH which had its first flight on 29 March 2010, is in its developmental stage and yet becomes operational. Z-10 can carry more payloads than LCH and due to its fly-by-wire system, MMW-FCR, it has an edge. The planned development of Helina is also crucial for LCH, economically a Z-10 is cheaper than LCH. The proposed WZ-16 engine to Z-10 will make it more powerful. LCH profile is stealthier than Z-10 and currently have an advantage in high altitude operations. Indian Air force needs around 65 LCH and the Indian Army Aviation corps around 114, so, if we take the production of 40 LCH/year, it will take around 5 years to complete the order.


On paper, as of now, Z-10 is clearly ahead of LCH, but Z-10s high altitude capability remains questionable with its current WZ-9 engine. However, since LCH is in its trial stages, addition of MMW-FCR and anti-armour missiles would make all the ticks in the checklist.


REFERENCEs
[1] https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1190083.shtml
[2] https://www.indiatoday.in/headlines...-army-awaits-weapons-upgrade-48679-2009-05-26
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamov_Ka-226
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_active_Indian_military_aircraft
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_Light_Combat_Helicopter
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_active_People's_Liberation_Army_aircraft
[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbin_Z-19
[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAIC_Z-10
[9] https://archive.claws.in/images/journals_doc/1176571761_BSPawar.pdf


Pictures
LCH https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Light_Combat_Helicopter_first_flight.jpg
Z-10 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/PLAAF_Changhe_WZ-10_-_Jordan.jpg

How does India’s LCH compares with Chinese Z-10 Attack Helicopter at High altitude – Indian Defence Research Wing

idrw.org

 

[Longewala]

How does India’s LCH compares with Chinese Z-10 Attack Helicopter at High altitude
Once the world’s most peaceful disputed border for over five decades, The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is not the same now. The violent skirmishes between the Indian army and PLA at Galwan valley has changed the narrative. The Subsequent deployment of forces by both sides is a matter of concern. After the quid pro quo by the Indian army, the on-going disengagement talks don’t look like to be reached to an agreement soon, even after the consensus reached by the foreign ministers at the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). There is very little time for both India and China to reach the consensus. Hence Indian armed forces are preparing to embrace the harsh winter on the altitudes.


If the situation remains grim and any unusual event-will lead to more clashes or limited tit-for-tat reciprocal operations. In that case one of the concerns is the need for weapon systems at such altitudes. China has deployed its Type 15 lightweight tanks in the region, with its 105-millimeter caliber armor-piercing main gun, advanced fire control systems, and at approximate 36 tons weight, claiming that it can outgun any other light armored vehicles in high altitude regions.


After the Doklam incident in 2017, China has increased its ante in high altitude operations, this was well published in Global Times, the mouthpiece of the Communist Party of China (CPC), boasting about it they highlighted the development and system capabilities which are effective at high elevations such as GJ-2 strike drone, PCL-181 wheeled light howitzer and Z-20 light Utility helicopter. The Z-20 which was unveiled at the Fifth China Helicopter Exposition looks strikingly similar to the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk Helicopter [1].


A similar situation arose two decades ago after the Kargil war, where it was apparent that there is a need for weapon systems suitable for high altitude operations. There were many systems to be upgraded or new ones to be procured such as Artillery (light howitzer were required), Infantry (light tanks around 30 tons), helicopters- to replace aging Cheetah, and chetak helicopters, etc.[2]


Certainly, there is a reaction to this stimulus but other than the on-going procurement of M777 Ultralight Howitzer, even which was delayed for years, the progress on other systems is very slow. We are no-where close to acquiring a light tank capable of steering in mountainous conditions in the least two years. To keep up the supply of logistics a light utility helicopter is required and New Delhi is in talks with Moscow for Kamov Ka-226T helicopters, which will be produced by a Joint Venture between India and Russia in India under the ‘Make in India’ program[3]. But the progress is at a snail’s pace. Apart from utility helicopters, there is also a need for combat/Attack helicopter to give air support to the forward troops or infantry at these locations.


Indian Military currently possesses Mil Mi-24, indigenously developed HAL Rudra, and newly acquired best in the class Boeing Ah-64 Apache helicopters in its arsenal[4]. These machines are formidable but are quite unsuitable for high altitude operations. We require anywhere around 6000 meters of Service ceiling to cater to the needs at such challenging conditions.


The Kargil war had revealed the need for an attack chopper suitable for high altitude operations. To meet the requirement both HAL and Indian armed forces explored viable options. In 2006, With previous experience from the indigenous HAL Dhruv Helicopter development, HAL announced that it has started a program called “Light combat Helicopter” or simply as LCH to produce the rotorcraft. In March 2010, LCH made its maiden flight, as of now a total of 4 prototypes are produced for intensive tests. Presently LCH is the lightest attack helicopter and its service ceiling is highest among all attack helicopters. It also holds the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land in Siachen[5].


On the other hand, the Chinese Military mainly PLA Ground Force operates changhe Z-8, Changhe Z-11, CAIC Z-10, and Harbin Z-19[6].Harbin Z-19 is a light attack helicopter based on the Harbin Z-9, which is a licensed version of the Euro copter Dauphin. The Z-19 is equipped with millimeter wave fire control radar, a turret with Infrared cameras, a laser rangefinder, and advanced Helmet Mounted Sight (HMS). But unlike most other helicopters it lacks a forward-mounted Machine Gun[7]. The Changhe Z-8 and Z-11 are not suitable for high altitude operations. This left’s us with CAIC Z-10.
So, its HAL light Combat Helicopter (LCH) V/s CAIC Z-10.


General Overview
Both Z-10 and LCH are narrow fuselage, stepped tandem cockpit design with two crew, and tricycle landing gear. The intent of both the helicopters remains the same and is to provide primary ground support for anti-armour or anti-tank warfare and secondary air-to-air capability. Z-10 has 5 blades main rotor and 5 blade tail rotors, it is a medium-weight Attack Helicopter (AH) with a maximum take-off weight of 7000 kg[8]. The LCH on the other hand is a light Attack Helicopter and has 4 plus 4 main and tail rotors with 5800 Kg maximum take-off weight[5]. Dimensionally either the helicopters more or less the same.


Power and Performance
Z-10 is powered by 2 X WZ-9 homegrown turboshaft engines with 1,300 hp each, it has a maximum speed of 270 Km/h with a range of 800 Km. It can reach a service ceiling of 6,400 meters and has a rate of climb of 10 m/s[8].
LCH is powered by 2 X HAL/Turbomeca Shakti-1H1 turbo shaft with 1,384 hp each. Turbomeca is a French manufacturer. This same Engine powers HAL Dhruv and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH). It can reach a service ceiling of 6500 meters and has a rate of climb of 12 m/s[5].


Weapons
Z-10 has 23/25 mm revolver/autocannon as the main gun, an automatic grenade launcher can also be adapted to the turret next to the gun. With 4 hardpoints it can carry 57/90mm unguided rocket pods and up to 16 HJ-8/9/10 air-to-surface missiles, up to 16 TY-90 air-to-air missiles, and up to 4 PL-5/7/9 air-to-air missiles. But presently in any configuration, it can carry a maximum of 8 missiles, this is due to its engine limitations, but China has developed a more powerful engine WZ-16 with the help of the same Turbomeca to equip future or replace the WZ-9 engines. If Z-10 is powered by WZ-16 engines, then Z-10 can carry 16 missiles in any configuration[8].
LCH has 4 hardpoints and in various combinations, it can carry up to 4 X 70mm Thales Rocket pods, 2 X MBDA mistral air-to-air missiles or planned 4 X Helina anti-tank missiles and also it can carry other Cluster bombs, unguided bombs, or grenade launchers. The main gun is a 20 mm cannon by Nexter on a turret[5].


Avionics
Z-10 has a YH-96 Electronic warfare system that integrates radar warning receivers (RWR), laser warning receivers (LWR), electronic support measures (ESM), and electronic counter-measures (ECM) together. It is also equipped with a Blue-sky navigation pod, BM/KG300G self-protection jamming pod, KZ900 reconnaissance pod, helmet-mounted sight (HMS), identification friend or foe (IFF), and fly-by-wire system. Like most of its western counterparts, Z-10 has Helmet mounted display (HMD) with night vision goggles. Z-10 has solid-state fully digitized YH millimeter-wave (MMW) fire-control radar (FCR), which can provide multiple targeting in adverse weather conditions[8].
LCH has a target acquisition and designation system (TADS), electronic warfare suite by Saab comprising radar warning receiver (RWR), laser warning receiver (LWR), and a missile approach warning (MAW) system. It is also equipped with a network-centric integrated data link for the transfer of mission data with airborne and ground stations. The Onboard Elbit CoMPASS sensor suite facilitates target acquisition on all weather conditions. It also has a helmet-mounted sight (HMS). At present LCH doesn’t have fire-control radar (FCR), the Boeing Ah-64 Apache recently acquired by Indian Air Force has a longbow FCR, but there is a buzz that a new radar for LCH is being developed by HAL[5].


Defensive
Z-10 cockpit is protected by composite armor, the canopy is made of bulletproof glass and can stop 7.62mm rounds as well. careful attention has been given to reduce its electromagnetic characteristics to reduce the probability of being detected[9].
LCH possesses a relatively narrow fuselage and is equipped with stealth profiling, armour protection, it is also equipped with Chaff and flare dispensers[5].


Interpretation
Z-10 had its first flight on 29 April 2003, presently its already in service with PLA ground Air Force close to 300+ have been produced. LCH which had its first flight on 29 March 2010, is in its developmental stage and yet becomes operational. Z-10 can carry more payloads than LCH and due to its fly-by-wire system, MMW-FCR, it has an edge. The planned development of Helina is also crucial for LCH, economically a Z-10 is cheaper than LCH. The proposed WZ-16 engine to Z-10 will make it more powerful. LCH profile is stealthier than Z-10 and currently have an advantage in high altitude operations. Indian Air force needs around 65 LCH and the Indian Army Aviation corps around 114, so, if we take the production of 40 LCH/year, it will take around 5 years to complete the order.


On paper, as of now, Z-10 is clearly ahead of LCH, but Z-10s high altitude capability remains questionable with its current WZ-9 engine. However, since LCH is in its trial stages, addition of MMW-FCR and anti-armour missiles would make all the ticks in the checklist.


REFERENCEs
[1] https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1190083.shtml
[2] https://www.indiatoday.in/headlines...-army-awaits-weapons-upgrade-48679-2009-05-26
[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamov_Ka-226
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_active_Indian_military_aircraft
[5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HAL_Light_Combat_Helicopter
[6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_active_People's_Liberation_Army_aircraft
[7] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harbin_Z-19
[8] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CAIC_Z-10
[9] https://archive.claws.in/images/journals_doc/1176571761_BSPawar.pdf


Pictures
LCH https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Light_Combat_Helicopter_first_flight.jpg
Z-10 https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/PLAAF_Changhe_WZ-10_-_Jordan.jpg

How does India’s LCH compares with Chinese Z-10 Attack Helicopter at High altitude – Indian Defence Research Wing

idrw.org

Good summary but you left out the key difference
One is built by a country whose military is willing to buy their own country products even if not the very best or world class (remember they used t-59s and j-7s into the 80s / 90s)

The other is built is for a military that is happy to buy flawed foreign maal but will insist on world best, flawless and cheapest when it has a DRDO stamp on it.

An in service Z10 will always outperform a still undergoing yet more tests LCH, even though the latter is more suited to that region.

 

[LondonParisTokyo]

Good summary but you left out the key difference
One is built by a country whose military is willing to buy their own country products even if not the very best or world class (remember they used t-59s and j-7s into the 80s / 90s)

The other is built is for a military that is happy to buy flawed foreign maal but will insist on world best, flawless and cheapest when it has a DRDO stamp on it.

An in service Z10 will always outperform a still undergoing yet more tests LCH, even though the latter is more suited to that region.

Vivek Ahuja did an excellent analysis of LCH on BR and LCH is actually best-in-class at the altitude that it needs to perform at. In addition, it's actually best in class in terms of other features as well. In addition, incremental improvements are made as production occurs. Nothing is perfect at launch.

 

[patriots]

 

[Dessert Storm]

Ground run of LCH - LSP1 completed.