Prachand vs Apache: How India’s indigenous attack chopper stacks up against America’s deadly AH-64E | India News
Recently, the US Department of State approved support services and related potential sales in contracts worth more than USD 198.2 million.Equipment for the Boeing AH-64E Apache attack helicopter in India. The State Department said the sale will improve India’s capabilities to counter current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats.In April, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi flew India’s indigenously developed attack helicopter, the Light Combat.Helicopter (LCH), ‘Prachand’, evaluates its performance, agility and mission readiness. This raises a question: If India has its own attack helicopters, why does it depend on its Russian and American counterparts? And how does this compare with Apache LCH?
Number and power
According to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the Prachand has a 2-pilot crew, a maximum take-off weight of 5,800 kg, a maximum speed of 280km/h, a cruise speed of 260 km/h, a payload-dependent operational range of 550 to 700 km, a climb rate of 12 meters per second and the world’s highest operational ceiling of 6,500 meters.On the other hand, according to Boeing, the US-built twin-seater Boeing AH-64E Apache has a maximum take-off weight of 10,432 kg, max.A speed of 300 km/h, a cruise speed of 265 km/h, a combat range of 480-500 km, a service ceiling of 6,400 meters and a rate of climb of about 14.2 meters per second.Compared to the Apache, the Prachand has a nearly identical cruise speed, a greater operational ceiling (maximum), and a greater operational range.Apache excels at twice the maximum take-off weight, maximum speed and faster climb rate. However, the specifications of attack helicopters are related to their operational requirements.
Different operational requirements
According to HAL, Prachanda has the distinction of being the first attack helicopter to land at Siachen, the highest battlefield in the world. it isIt was specifically designed after the need was felt during the Kargil War, for a light combat helicopter that could operate in the tall and rugged Himalayan regions of Siachen, Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. It weighs only 5.8 tons, which is about half the weight of an Apache.
Light Combat Helicopter, heavy
The American counterpart is meant for the flat plains, desert and semi-desert regions along India’s western and northwestern borders.(eg Rajasthan and Punjab). Which explains its nearly double maximum take-off weight compared to the LCH. India’s overall operational requirements require the capability of both helicopters.
AH-64E, Apache
Aging fleet replacement
The entire Air Force is undergoing a modernization process, with the aging fleet being actively replaced. induction timeAt the Apache helicopter launch in 2019, the then Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said, “Apache attack helicopters are being procured to replace the Mi-35 fleet. Apaches have been an integral part of numerous historical campaigns around the world. These aircraft have been specially modified to exact standards demanded by the IAF”.Highlighting India’s military capabilities, the US State Department said, “India will have no difficulty in incorporating these articles and services into its armed forces.”Regarding the deal, the US State Department said: “This proposed sale will support foreign policy and national security objectives.Helping strengthen the US-India strategic relationship and improve the security of a major defense partner, whichcontinues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia region.”Earlier on April 9, the Indian Army demonstrated the combat power of the AH-64 Apache during a live firing exercise ‘Brahmastra’.Pokhran Firing Range. The Army’s demonstration underscored its growing focus on high-precision, network-centric warfare.The Boeing AH-64 Apache is one of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters in the world. It is equipped with a 30mm chaingun, can carry Hellfire anti-tank missiles and Hydra rockets, and features advanced targeting systems such as longbow radars and night-vision sensors. The Apache AH-64E also has the ability to operate in all weather conditions, including night.
