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Boeing AH-64 Apache versus HAL Light Combat Helicopterhttps://www.businessinsider.in/slideshows/boeing-ah-64-apache-versus-hal-light-combat-helicopter/slidelist/74450136.cms2020-03-03T07:51:47+05:30

Boeing AH-64 Apache versus HAL Light Combat Helicopter

Mar 3, 2020, 07:51 IST

Both the Boeing AH-64 Apache and the HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) are two-seat multi-role attack helicopters.

The Apache is a meter shorter than the LCH although it has a marginally larger wing-span and slightly taller height.

Although the size difference between the two choppers isn’t that large, when it comes to weight, the Apache is 3,148‬ kilos lighter than the LCH.

The HAL LCH is powered by 2 Shakti turboshaft engine with 1,430 horsepower each. The Boeing Apache helicopter is powered by 2 General Electric T700 GE 701C turboshaft engine capable of delivering 1,890 horsepower each.

Since the Apache choppers have stronger engines, they’re also capable of delivering higher speeds. The LCH’s top speed is 280 kph while the Apache can hit 295 kph.

Although, the LCH has an edge over the Apache in another area — range. It’s capable of surveilling targets up to 700 kilometres away while flying 6,500 meters in the air. The Apache only has a range of 480 kilometres and can reach a ceiling of 6,400 meters.

What makes the Apache more deadly than the LCH are its weapons capabilities. It comes with a 30mm chain gun versus the 20mm M621 cannon on HAL’s chopper.

The Apache is also equipped with 16 AGM-114 ‘Hellfire’ Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) in addition to four Hydra-70 19-shot Folding-Fin Aerial Rocket (FFAR) rocket pods, and four auxiliary fuel tanks.

The Apache’s two AIM-92 Stinger short-ranged air-to-air missiles help the chopper protect itself from other aircraft.

The Boeing helicopter’s also come equipped with a longbow radar which allows it to hover at a safe a distance, targeting from beyond the horizon and past obstacles. This plays a big role in survival when fighting a terror threat on the ground.

The LCH is also equipped with air-to-air missiles, anti-tank missiles, anti-radiation missiles, and rocket pods — but the indigenously developed tech is yet to prove its mettle in battle.

The Apache, on the other hand, is already in active service with the US Army and 12 other countries. Boeing has delivered over 2,200 of its attack choppers to different militaries around the world.

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