Why is it in the news?
The President of India undertook a sortie in LCH Prachand at Jaisalmer.
Category: Defence
Important Points:
● Indigenously developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL)
● Only attack helicopter capable of landing/takeoff at 5,000 m altitude
● Powered by twin-engine Shakti engine
● Maximum speed: 268 km/h
● Range: 550 km; endurance: over 3 hours
● Equipped with stealth features and armored shield systems
● Pressurised cabin for protection against NBC threats
● Equipped with countermeasure dispensing system
● Fitted with 20mm nose gun (800 rounds/min; 2 km range)