As a result of the LCH, all eyes are on the development of an indigenous multirole helicopter capable of medium lift

Sudha Rani October 4, 2022Last Updated: October 4, 2022

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The IMRH project is slated to be executed by the HAL in collaboration with private players, pending sanction from the government. (Hindustan Aeronautics Limited via Wikimedia Commons)

As India’s first indigenously dedicated assault helicopter Mild Fight Helicopter (LCH) getting ready for induction, the focus is on the upcoming event of a middle elevate class Indian Multirole Helicopter (IMRH) to join the fleet of Air Pressure’s mainstay Mi-17 and various helicopters to the Indian army, which is capable of phasing out over the next decade.

The state-owned and controlled aerospace company Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has, in the past 20 years, produced three indigenously created and constructed helicopters of the light class under 10 tons of weight. They include the 5-ton class Superior Mild Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv and its weaponized model ALH Rudra and the LCH. It also has the class 3 Mild Utility Helicopter (LUH) that was designed to be an alternative to the French original legacy helicopter Chetak and Cheetah. After the successful growth of three tonnes and 5-tonne helicopters, the next step would be a manufactured-in-India medium-lift helicopter in the 13-tonne class IMRH.

On the 11th day of this year, The Ministry of Defence recognized 18 principal strategic platforms to support industrial-led development and growth in the country. Based on the announcement made in the Union Finances 2022-23 that allotted 25 per cent of the finance for expansion and defence analysis to industry-led efforts, the 18 key platforms are recognized as being essential as growth and analysis platforms in different ways. The list includes the IMRH under the Particular Objective Car (SPV) model. The private sector will, under this model, be influenced to participate in the development and expansion of the platform with various public organizations. The IMRH initiative is planned to be implemented by the HAL in conjunction with private gamers, subject to the approval of federal authorities.

In a speech on the occasion to celebrate sixty years of Chetak helicopters on April 2nd, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh was confused about the need to develop and design the IMRH that, as he explained, is a significant need for the Military and has a massive market potential. The Minister also expressed his desire to accelerate the design and expansion of helicopter knowledge within the country, calling it multi-purpose applied sciences. The Minister of Defence said this would not only be a strategic asset for the defence industry but could also help make India an undisputed power in the global helicopter market. “We must work to increase India’s standing in the rotary wing industry. The time is changing. I’m confident that we’ll be more energetic, robust and dependent in the next few years,” he stated.

Senior defence officers consulted The Indian Specific of the Defense Minister that the aim to give to Indian organizations to build helicopters that are competitive globally. The word “tactical” has financial and diplomatic implications in the coming years.

The officers from the defence department stated their position. Indian Air Pressure (IAF) currently has more than 220 medium elevated helicopters Mi-17 and its variants Mi-17IV and Mi-17V5, mainly employed for utility and transport purposes. They are the IAF’s primary medium of elevating helicopters. With an estimated requirement of upwards of 250 in 2028, and the Mi-17 fleets beginning to phase out, a significant need will be available to those in the IAF in medium elevating helicopters. Officers said.

#WATCH | The first indigenously developed Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) inducted into Indian Air Force at Jodhpur, in the presence of Defence minister Rajnath Singh and IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari pic.twitter.com/sh3fqkTprg

— ANI (@ANI) October 3, 2022

However, the Indian Military doesn’t currently operate any medium-elevate helicopters and relies on the IAF to provide this aspect. Sources claim that the Indian Military will require more than 150 tactical battlefield assistance helicopters.

Although there isn’t an exact timeline for this project, officers indicated that IMRH could meet this requirement considering its options. Nearly 60 Indian Navy helicopters are in operation, including Seeking and Kamov, and the recently inducted MH-60R in medium elevation.

Over the next few years, there will be an immediate 120-year requirement. Officers believe that an essential part of this requirement can be met locally developed medium elevate IMRH.

Already, the HAL has made significant progress in designing the entrance for the IMRH. This was primarily due to the requirements of the armed forces. A 3D model of the helicopter is available, and wind tunnel testing has begun on one.

According to sources, the IMRH can carry between 24 and 36 troops depending on its configuration. In the unarmed version, the IMRH can perform functions such as troop motion, logistic assistance, casualty evacuation and digital warfare platform. It also has airborne firefighting VIP and VVIP transport, search and rescue, and disaster aid.

The armed version could carry out specific heliborne strikes, commando and particular forces duties, counter-insurgency counter-terrorism operations (CICT), city warfare if equipped with precision-guided munitions, fight hearth assistance to the floor, and counter-insurgency counters terrorism operation (CI-CT). It should weigh at least 13 tonnes and have a payload capacity of approximately 4. After receiving the sanction from federal authorities, the officers estimated that the program would take 7 to 8 years to complete.