. “The trials covered engine starts with internal batteries after an overnight cold soak at altitudes of 3,000m and 4,100m”, explained T. Suvarna Raju, chairman, HAL. The engine starts were satisfactory in the temperature of -18°C at 4,100m. The flights were also carried out to assess high-altitude performance and low-speed handling.
The LCH prototype, TD2, was ferried from Bangalore to Leh and the flight trials were carried out involving customer pilots from the Indian Air Force and Army and with the participation of representatives from RCMA (H/c) and DGAQA (H/c).
“LHC technology demonstrator TD-3 made its maiden flight in November last year and TD-4 is likely to fly soon. The IOC (Initial Operating Capability) is expected in the latter part of this year and to achieve this we are concentrating on building more prototypes and increasing the number of flights to reduce the lead-time for IOC”, added Raju.
