Light Combat Helicopters (LCH) are designed for air-to-ground combat and support missions. They are smaller, more agile, and have a lower radar signature than larger combat helicopters, making them ideal for operating near the battlefield makes the best light combat helicopter in the world. LCHs are typically armed with a range of weapons systems, including cannons, rockets, and missiles, and they have advanced avionics and sensor systems that enable them to operate in all weather conditions and at night. They can be used for a variety of missions, including reconnaissance, ground attack, and troop support.
Several countries have developed their LCHs, including Airbus H145M, HAL Light Combat Helicopter, Bell OH-58 Kiowa, Kamov Ka-226T, AgustaWestland AW109, MD Helicopters MD 530G, Enstrom 480B-G, Robinson R66, Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin, Sikorsky S-434. The LCHs have become an essential part of modern military operations due to their versatility, agility, and effectiveness in combat situations.
| Serial Number | Name of Helicopter | Year Introduced | Price (in $) | Range (km) | Maximum Take-Off Weight ( Kg) | Maximum Cruise Speed (Km/Hr) |
| 1 | HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) | 2021 | 16 M | 550 Km | 5800 Kg | 268 Km/hr |
| 2 | Airbus H145M | 2014 | 9.71 M | 565 Km | 3800 Kg | 259 Km/hr |
| 3 | Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin | 1978 | 8.6 M | 827 Km | 4300 Kg | 306 Km/hr |
| 4 | AgustaWestland AW109 | 1976 | 6.5 M | 833 Km | 2850 Kg | 311 Km/hr |
| 5 | Bell OH-58 Kiowa | 1983 | 6.7 M | 480 Km | 1360 Kg | 240 Km/hr |
| 6 | Kamov Ka-226T | 2002 | 4.2 M | 600 Km | 3800 Kg | 250 Km/hr |
| 7 | MD Helicopters MD 530G | 1984 | 2.4 M | 480 Km | 1701 Kg | 282 Km/hr |
| 8 | Enstrom 480B-G | 1993 | 1.415 M | 610 Km | 1293 Kg | 240 Km/hr |
| 9 | Sikorsky S-434 | 2008 | 0.93 M | 570 Km | 1451 Kg | 240 Km/hr |
| 10 | Robinson R66 | 2007 | 0.95 M | 650 Km | 1225 Kg | 250 Km/hr |
10. Robinson R66
The Robinson R66 is a five-seat, single-engine light combat helicopter manufactured by Robinson Helicopter Company in Torrance, California, USA. It is the newest and largest model in Robinson’s product line and is designed for use in a wide range of missions, including corporate transport, law enforcement, and tourism. The R66 is powered by a Rolls-Royce RR300 turboshaft engine, which produces 224 kW of power. It has a maximum speed of 250 km/h and a range of up to 650 km. The helicopter has a two-blade main rotor and a two-blade tail rotor and is known for its stability and ease of handling.
The R66 is equipped with a variety of advanced avionics and safety systems, including a digital engine monitoring system, a GPS navigation system, and a terrain awareness and warning system. It can accommodate up to five passengers and has a maximum payload capacity of 408 kg. In addition to its versatility and performance, the R66 is known for its low operating costs and ease of maintenance. It has a simple and robust design that makes it easy to service and repair, and it is backed by Robinson’s worldwide network of service centres and support personnel.
9. Sikorsky S-434
The Sikorsky S-434 is a light, single-engine light combat helicopter that is designed for use in a variety of missions, including law enforcement, firefighting, and corporate transport. It is manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, which is based in Stratford, Connecticut, USA. The S-434 is powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C20W turboshaft engine, which provides 313 kW of power. It has a maximum speed of 240 km/h and a range of up to 570 km. The helicopter has a four-blade main rotor and a two-blade tail rotor, which give it excellent manoeuvrability and stability in flight.
The S-434 is equipped with advanced avionics and communication systems, including a GPS navigation system, a digital engine monitoring system, and a tactical radio which makes it one of the best light combat helicopters. It can be configured for a variety of missions, including law enforcement, search and rescue, and military operations. The helicopter is known for its excellent visibility and stability in flight, as well as its ease of maintenance and low operating costs. It can accommodate up to four passengers and has a maximum payload capacity of 500 kg.
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8. Enstrom 480B-G
The Enstrom 480B-G is a light, single-engine light combat helicopter that is primarily designed for use in law enforcement, military, and commercial operations. It is manufactured by Enstrom Helicopter Corporation, which is based in Menominee, Michigan, USA. The Enstrom 480B-G is powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C20W turboshaft engine, which provides 313 kW of power. The helicopter has a maximum speed of 240 km/h and a range of up to 610 km. It has a four-blade main rotor and a two-blade tail rotor, which give it excellent manoeuvrability and stability in flight.
The 480B-G is equipped with advanced avionics and communication systems, including a GPS navigation system, a digital engine monitoring system, and a tactical radio. It can be configured for a variety of missions, including law enforcement, search and rescue, and military operations. The helicopter is known for its excellent visibility and stability in flight, as well as its ease of maintenance and low operating costs. It can accommodate up to four passengers and has a maximum payload capacity of 670 kg.
7. MD Helicopters MD 530G
The MD Helicopters MD 530G is one of the best light Combat helicopter in the world that is also known as the “Trekker.” It is a variant of the popular MD 500 series helicopter that has been used for various missions including law enforcement, military, and civilian purposes. The MD 530G is powered by a Rolls-Royce 250-C30 turboshaft engine that produces 485 kW of power. The helicopter has a maximum speed of 282 km/h and a range of up to 480 km. It has a four-blade main rotor and a two-blade tail rotor and is capable of operating at high altitudes and in hot and high conditions.
The MD 530G is equipped with advanced avionics and weapons systems, including a laser designator, a targeting system, and a weapons management system. It is capable of carrying a variety of weapons, including machine guns, rockets, and guided missiles. The helicopter can be configured for a wide range of missions, including close air support, reconnaissance, and armed escort. It has been used by various military and law enforcement agencies around the world, including the Afghan Air Force, which has used the MD 530G for counter-terrorism operations.
6. Kamov Ka-226T
The Kamov Ka-226T is a light multi-role light combat helicopter developed by the Russian helicopter manufacturer Kamov. The Ka-226T is a twin-engine helicopter with a maximum speed of 250 km/h and a range of up to 600 km. It is powered by two Turbomeca Arrius 2G1 engines and has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,800 kg. The Ka-226T can be configured for a wide range of missions, including the transport of personnel and cargo, search and rescue, and medical evacuation.
The Ka-226T is one of the best light combat helicopter in the world which is highly versatile and can operate in a variety of environments, including high-altitude and hot climates. It features a modular design, which allows it to be easily reconfigured for different missions and is equipped with a modern glass cockpit and advanced avionics systems. Overall, the Kamov Ka-226T is a highly capable and versatile helicopter that is widely used by military and civilian operators around the world. It is a popular choice for operations in remote and challenging environments, thanks to its rugged design and high-performance capabilities.
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5. Bell OH-58 Kiowa
The Bell OH-58 Kiowa is a single-engine, two-blade, observation and reconnaissance, one of the best light combat helicopter in the world that was developed for the United States Army. The Kiowa is used for a wide range of missions, including reconnaissance, target acquisition, and airborne command and control. The OH-58 Kiowa has a maximum speed of 240 km/h and a range of approximately 480 km. It is powered by a single Allison T703-AD-700 turboshaft engine, which provides 317 kW of power.
The light combat helicopter has a crew of two and can carry up to six troops or 680 kg of cargo. The Kiowa is equipped with a range of sensors, including a thermal imaging system, a laser rangefinder/designator, and a target acquisition and designation system. It also has a mast-mounted sight that can be operated from the cockpit or the ground. The OH-58 Kiowa can be armed with a range of weapons, including machine guns, rockets, and air-to-ground missiles. It can also be equipped with a wire-guided anti-tank missile system for engaging armoured targets.
4. AgustaWestland AW109
The AgustaWestland AW109 is a twin-engine, eight-seat multi-purpose light combat helicopter that was developed by the Italian manufacturer Agusta (now Leonardo) in collaboration with the British manufacturer Westland Helicopters (now also part of Leonardo). The AW109 has a maximum speed of 311 km/h and a range of up to 833 km. It is powered by two Pratt & Whitney Canada PW206C turboshaft engines, each producing 456 kW of power. The helicopter has a maximum takeoff weight of 2,850 kg and can operate in a wide range of environments, including hot and high-altitude conditions.
The AW109 is a versatile helicopter that is used for a wide range of missions, including executive transport, emergency medical services, law enforcement, and military operations. It is equipped with advanced avionics systems, including a digital cockpit display and an integrated navigation system. The helicopter is also fitted with a range of safety features, including a four-axis autopilot, a terrain awareness and warning system, and a traffic collision avoidance system making it one of the best light combat helicopter in the world.
3. Eurocopter AS365 Dauphin
The Eurocopter AS365 is a medium-sized, twin-engine helicopter that is commonly used for a variety of missions, including search and rescue, offshore transport, and military operations. It is also known as the Dauphin and is manufactured by Airbus Helicopters. The AS365 is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2C turboshaft engines, which provide 632 kW of power. It has a maximum speed of 306 km/h and a range of up to 827 km. The helicopter has a five-blade main rotor and a fenestron tail rotor, which provides a high level of manoeuvrability and stability in flight.
The AS365 is equipped with a variety of advanced avionics and safety systems, including a digital autopilot, a weather radar, and a search and rescue beacon. It can accommodate up to 12 passengers and has a maximum take-off weight of 4,300 kg. In addition to its search and rescue and offshore transport capabilities, the AS365 is also used for military operations, including anti-submarine warfare and surveillance. It can be equipped with a variety of mission-specific equipment, such as sonar systems and surveillance cameras which makes it one of the best light combat helicopter in the world.
2. Airbus H145M
The Airbus H145M is a twin-engine light utility helicopter that has been designed for military operations, second place in the Light Combat Helicopters. It is based on the civilian Airbus H145 helicopter but has been modified with a range of features and systems that make it suitable for military missions. The H145M can be configured for a variety of missions, including the transport of troops and cargo, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and armed reconnaissance. It has a maximum takeoff weight of 3,800 kg and can carry up to 11 passengers or 1,500 kg of cargo and thus is one of the best Light Combat Helicopter in the world.
The helicopter has a range of up to 565 km and can reach speeds of up to 259 km/h. It is powered by two Turbomeca Arriel 2E engines and has a modern glass cockpit that includes a digital autopilot and advanced avionics systems. The H145M is equipped with a range of defensive systems, including infrared suppressors, chaff and flare dispensers, and ballistic protection for the crew and vital systems. It can also be armed with a range of weapons, including machine guns, rocket pods, and air-to-surface missiles.
1. HAL Light Combat Helicopter
The HAL (LCH) is the best Light Combat helicopter in the world developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), an aerospace and defence company in India. The LCH is designed to provide close air support to ground troops, engage enemy armour and helicopters, and destroy enemy positions in mountainous terrain. The LCH is a 5.5-ton, twin-engine helicopter, powered by two Shakti turboshaft engines, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 268 km/h and an altitude of 6,500 meters. The helicopter can operate in day and night conditions and has a range of up to 550 km making it at the top of Light Combat Helicopters Prachand.
The LCH is equipped with an advanced suite of avionics, including a helmet-mounted sight and display system, and a data link for communication with ground troops and other aircraft. The helicopter is armed with a range of weapons, including a 20 mm cannon, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, and rocket pods. The LCH has a highly manoeuvrable design and can operate in high-altitude and high-temperature conditions, making it ideal for mountainous terrain. It also features a narrow fuselage, which reduces its radar cross-section, making it difficult to detect on enemy radars.
