Both the Boeing AH-64 Apache and the HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) are two-seat multi-role attack helicopters.
Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter (Source: Boeing)
The Apache is a meter shorter than the LCH although it has a marginally larger wing-span and slightly taller height.
HAL LCH (Source: BCCL)
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.
(Source: BCCL)
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.
(Source: BCCL)
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.
(Source: BCCL)
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.
(Source: BCCL)
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.
(Source: BCCL)
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.
(Source: BCCL)
The Apache’s two AIM-92 Stinger short-ranged air-to-air missiles help the chopper protect itself from other aircraft.
(Source: Boeing)
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.
(Source: Boeing)
