HAL Prepares Live Fire Trials of Indigenous HELINA Anti-Tank Missile from LCH Prachand Helicopter

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is poised to conduct live fire trials of the indigenous HELINA anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) from its Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), "Prachand," marking a significant advancement in India's defence capabilities.

The trials, anticipated to commence soon, will demonstrate the integration and operational readiness of the HELINA missile with the LCH platform.

The HELINA, a derivative of the NAG missile, is a third-generation, fire-and-forget ATGM developed by DRDO. Designed to neutralize armored threats with precision, the missile boasts a range of up to 7 kilometers.

Its advanced Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker allows for autonomous target tracking post-launch, utilizing a Lock-on Before Launch (LOBL) system for enhanced accuracy. The HELINA is capable of engaging targets in both direct hit and top attack modes, providing versatility against various armor types.

This upcoming test follows a successful 2022 trial where HELINA, launched from an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), accurately engaged a simulated tank target. This prior success validated the missile's design and its integration with helicopter platforms.

These trials will be first of its kind, where HELINA will be launched from LCH. The missile is currently in limited production, with new batches slated for integration and testing on the LCH-Prachand, further enhancing the helicopter's combat prowess.

The LCH Prachand, developed by HAL, is a multi-role combat helicopter designed for high-altitude operations. It is renowned for its agility, maneuverability, and capacity to operate in challenging terrains.

Notably, the LCH is one of the few attack helicopters in the world capable of landing and taking off at an altitude of 5,000 m (16,400 ft) with a considerable load of weapons and fuel.

Integrating the HELINA ATGM significantly bolsters the LCH's anti-tank capabilities, adding a potent weapon to its arsenal, which already includes a 20mm turret gun, 70mm rockets, and air-to-air missiles.

The "fire and forget" capability of the HELINA missile allows the LCH to engage a target and immediately maneuver away or engage other threats, a critical advantage in dynamic battlefield scenarios. This capability minimizes the helicopter's exposure to enemy fire, enhancing its survivability and operational effectiveness.

The successful induction of the HELINA into the Indian armed forces will significantly enhance the country's defence preparedness and further solidify its position as a major player in the global defence landscape. The Indian Army and the Indian Air Force have placed orders for the LCH Prachand, anticipating its enhanced capabilities with the HELINA integration. It is expected that the LCH will play a pivotal role in future combat operations, offering a potent combination of firepower and versatility.

 

[R. Singh]

Arm Prachand and Rudra with 70 mm and 80 mm guided rockets ! NLOS 35+km range ATGMS ! IF Apache delayed the we should also select latest gen combat proven KA-52 for our air cavalry !

 

[sanket]

Good To see LCH with Helina Missile, A Indigenous Missile on Indigenous chopper

 

[Apocalypse gupta]

Finally our prachand will get its missing teeth.

 

[Enforcer]

Helina is critical item for Prachand. Guided missiles are the bread and butter of any modern attack helicopter.

 

[Enforcer]

I have to be honest, 7km range is fairly short. The US Army Apache is converting their Hellfire (8km, excellent missile btw) to Spike NLOS (32km) until they develop their own long-range anti-tank missile. The main reason they are switching to a foreign missile (rarely happens in the USA) is because they realized the threat of advanced short-range surface-to-air missiles and their growing arsenal around the world.

 

[The Presence]

I have to be honest, 7km range is fairly short. The US Army Apache is converting their Hellfire (8km, excellent missile btw) to Spike NLOS (32km) until they develop their own long-range anti-tank missile. The main reason they are switching to a foreign missile (rarely happens in the USA) is because they realized the threat of advanced short-range surface-to-air missiles and their growing arsenal around the world.

Hellfire also has great features like Laser Homing and LOAL.

This allows the launch platform to shoot and scoot, while different platforms, even foot soldiers, provide guidance to the missile.

 

[Sandeep]

India now needs to complete all of its weapons tests and trials on the Prachand so that it’s certified and then we can start production of the missiles. The missile range is a good start but they need to increase that to distances well over 20km like the Israeli Spike NLOS which can take out armoured vehicles well before they can pose a threat to us.

 

[Enforcer]

Hellfire also has great features like Laser Homing and LOAL.

This allows the launch platform to shoot and scoot, while different platforms, even foot soldiers, provide guidance to the missile.

I am quite aware of that. But the most impressive aspect of hellfire is the accuracy which is <1m CEP.

 

[Dipesh Debnath]

Spike NLOS 20km+ range has length 1.7m. Helina 1.9m length has a range of 7km. What propellant is there inside for such a longer length but low range?

 

[Mango_Indian]

Why trials after the missile is declared good for induction and a production order is executed by the MoD? It just doesn't make sense.

What happened to SANT with a 20km range? 8 "successful" tests and then no tests for 4 years? Why so much mystery? If a missile fails, why not declare it as a failure and restart the efforts?

Last but not least, when are we making our own unguided 80mm or higher rockets to stop importing the current Thales FZ275 rockets? Why not make a 100mm guided rocket to replace them with a higher payload and accuracy? They are like consumables for an attack helicopter fleet, and we are still importing them?