The first India Air Force (IAF) squadron of the 22 Apache AH-64 E(I) attack helicopter was formed at Pathankot in September 2019. Selected air and ground crew had undergone training at the training facilities at US Army base Fort Rucker, Alabama. The Apache will be a significant boost to IAF’s combat capability. The helicopter is customised for IAF’s future requirements and
the aircraft has significant capability in the mountains. The two pilots Apache is considered a “game-changer” in the tactical battle scenario. The helicopter will carry precision attacks at standoff ranges with networked weapon systems making it lethal. The Indian government had placed an order for 22 AH-64E Apache helicopters as a part of a USD 1.4 billion deal that was signed in September 2015. The second Apache unit will be based at Jorhat.
On 25 March 2019 IAF formally inducted four out of the 15 contracted Boeing Chinook CH-47F (I) heavy-lift helicopters at their home base, Air Force Station Chandigarh. The first Chinook helicopter had earlier arrived by ship on 10 February 2019 at the Mundra port in Gujarat. Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa hailed the induction, saying that it was a national asset and these will boost India’s security through increased vertical lift capability.
The USD 1.5 billion Chinook contract included India specific enhancements. The second helicopter unit of heavy-lift choppers will be created for the East in Dinjan (Assam). Chinook can deliver heavy payloads to high altitudes and is eminently suited for operations in the high Himalayas. It will greatly enhance India’s capabilities across a range of military and HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) missions. Chinook serves the armed forces of 19 countries.
Helicopter: Operational Roles
Helicopter roles today have many civil roles like transportation of people and cargo, construction, fire- fighting, tourism, air ambulance, law enforcement, agriculture, news and media, and aerial observation, among others. Military transport helicopters are used to transport personnel (troops) and cargo in support of military operations. The larger helicopters like Mil Mi-26 can carry 90 troops or 20,000 kg cargo.
Boeing CH-47 Chinook can carry 55 troops or 10,886 Kg cargo. They can also carry large underslung loads. The personnel and cargo can be picked and dropped at unprepared locations. These helicopters are also used for air assault to move assault force from assembly areas to the landing zone (LZ) or Drop Zones (DZ).
Attack helicopters often referred to as ‘Gunships’ are designed with the capability of engaging targets on the ground, such as armour vehicles, enemy infantry, and light vehicle convoys. They can quickly provide direct and accurate close air support (CAS) for ground forces, including against armour concentrations. They could also attack static targets close to the Forward Edge of Battle Area (FEBA) such as radars. Attack helicopters could be used as Escorts in a heliborne operation or for Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR).
They could also be used in the armed scout role. They are armed with guns, rockets and air-to-ground missiles. Many attack helicopters are also capable of carrying air-to-air missiles primarily for self-defence. Attack helicopters are designed with narrow fuselage, tandem seating, and high external visibility and have high manoeuvrability. They take on anti-tank, anti-helicopter, anti-UAV, and close air support roles. Guns and important sensors are chin-mounted.
Rockets and missiles are carried on stub wings. They are normally equipped with short-range radar and Forward-Looking Infra-Red (FLIR) sensors. They have laser rangefinder and laser target designator. Many gunships can also carry a few troops.
Observation helicopters are used to monitor the battle in Tactical Battle Area (TBA). The observation could be visual by the aircrew or using an optical sensor like low-light-level television (LLTV) or FLIR camera. These helicopters also assist targeting by artillery fire and airstrikes. They can also do laser illumination for laser-guided bombs (LGBs) and other weapons fired by mother or other armed aircraft.
Maritime helicopters basic tasks are for observation duties; inter-ship movements; and also for recovery of pilots who may have ditched, or sailors fallen overboard. Special tasks include anti-submarine warfare role and dropping air-launched torpedoes and depth charges. Integral dunking sonar, radar and magnetic anomaly detectors help better response to submarine threats. Multi-role helicopters nowadays operate nearly autonomously in the ASW, anti-shipping, transport, SAR and reconnaissance roles.
Helicopters form an important anti-submarine strength of carrier aircraft. Search and Rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation remain key roles for helicopters. A similar mission from behind enemy lines would be a Combat SAR (CSAR). Such helicopters have a radio or optical homing devices and also lift winch capability.
Mil Mi-25 & Mi-35
The Russian Mi-24 ‘Hind’ was essentially a large attack helicopter. Also referred to as the ‘flying tank’, they were operated since 1972 by the Soviet/Russian Air Force and more than 60 other nations. The export variant was the Mi-25 and later Mi-35. The airframe is streamlined, and fitted with retractable landing gear to reduce drag. At high speed, the stub-wings provided a considerable lift. The helicopter has a max speed of 335 km/h and a service ceiling of 4,900 m.
It has removable armour plating around the cockpit and below the cabin and can carry 8 troops or 4 stretchers. It has an integral gun and a window-mounted machine gun. Total payload is 1,500 kg of external stores which includes the Shturm anti-tank missile. Aircraft has seen extensive action in Afghanistan, and in may other wars. IAF’s two squadrons of Mi-25/35 are being replaced by Apache attack helicopters.
HAL Rudra ALH-WSI
HAL ‘Rudra’ is the armed version of HAL ALH ‘Dhruv’. It has integrated sensors, weapons and electronic warfare suite, and uses an upgraded version of the glass cockpit used in the HAL Dhruv Mk-III. The avionics suite integrates a global positioning system, FLIR, HF/UHF communications radio, Friend or Foe (IFF) identification system, Doppler navigation and a radio altimeter. The electro-optic pod, helmet-mounted sight and fixed sights ensure the pilots can accurately engage targets using onboard weapons.
The sensors include stabilised day and night cameras, infrared imaging as well as laser ranging and designation. It has an Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (IDAS) from SAAB, with electronic warfare self-protection, which is fully integrated into the glass cockpit. Mark IV is meant to have a French Nexter 20mm turret gun, Belgian 70 mm rockets, and MBDA air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, and the indigenous Helina (Helicopter-launched Nag) anti-tank missile.
The two Crew helicopter is powered by two HAL/Turbomeca ‘Shakti’ turbo-shaft engines and can carry 12 passengers or 4 stretchers. Useful max load is2,600 kg, and max speed 290 km/h. The service ceiling is 6,096 m. HAL handed over the first Rudra to Indian Army (IA) in 2013. The current total order is for 76 Rudra Mk IV (60 for IA and 16 for IAF). Indian Navy (IN) is keen to order at least 20 helicopters for coastal security.
Light Combat Helicopter (LCH)
TheLight Combat Helicopter(LCH) is an indigenous multirole combat aircraft under development by HAL. It will have capability to operate at high-altitudes. The tandem-seat LCH drew extensively from the ALH Dhruv. On 29 March 2010, LCH prototype did its maiden flight. LCH also became the first attack helicopter to land in Siachen. Ever since it has repeatedly landed at helipads up to 15,800 feet. On 26 August 2017, full-rate production of the LCH was started.
IA has ordered 114 and IAF 65 LCH. LCH also has a data-link for network-centric ops. Along with Israel, HAL is developing a FLIR. LCH will have the M621 cannon. Up to four missiles can be carried including the Helina and MBDA Mistral 2. On 17 January 2019, LCH completed weapons trials with the successful firing of Mistral-2 air-to-air missile at a flying target. Payloads of rockets can also be carried. Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) is now expected in 2019.
Boeing AH-64 Apache Longbow
It is a stealthy, versatile machine, designed for all kinds of missions. It comes equipped with laser and infrared systems for day-night operations and armed with air-to-surface Hellfire missiles, 70 mm rockets and an automatic cannon. The Apache will replace the Russian Mi 35 that IAF has been operating for years and are due to retire. AH-64 Apache has a twin turbo-shaft engine with a tail wheel-type landing gear and a tandem two-crew cockpit. It has a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems.
It is armed with a 30 mm M230 chain gun and has four hardpoints on stub-wing pylons for armament and stores. Typically it can carry a mixture of AGM-114 Hellfire missiles and Hydra 70 rocket pods. The AH-64 has a large amount of systems redundancy to improve combat survivability. The prototype YAH-64 first flew in September 1975. The helicopter was inducted into US Army in April 1986. The first production AH-64D Apache Longbow, an upgraded Apache variant, was delivered to the US Army in March 1997. Over 2,000 AH-64s have been produced.
The crew compartment has shielding between the cockpits, such that at least one crew member can survive hits. The compartment and the rotor blades are designed to sustain a hit from 23 mm rounds. The airframe has armour protection and has a self-sealing fuel system. It has a maximum service ceiling of 6,400 m and a max speed of 365 Km/h and has state-of-the-art integrated avionics.
It is equipped with the Ground Fire Acquisition System (GFAS), which detects and targets ground-based weapons fire sources. High-resolution colour imagery is provided to the crew. It has an extended-range radar. Apache can carry the Stinger air-to-air missiles, the AGM-122 Sidearm anti-radiation missile, and the MBDA Brimstone anti-armour missile.
The AH-64E Apache has the ability to control UAVs, to perform aerial scouting missions. Boeing has suggested that the AH-64 could be fitted with a directed energy weapon (small laser weapon), initially designed to engage small UAVs. The updated Longbow mast-mounted AESA radar has an oversea capacity, potentially enabling naval strikes. Apaches have seen extensive op deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Boeing CH-47F (I) Chinook
Chinook is a twin-engine, tandem-rotor, heavy-lift helicopter. The original variant of which first flew in 1962. The Chinook possesses several means of loading various cargoes, including multiple doors across the fuselage, a wide loading ramp located at the rear of the fuselage, and a total of three external ventral cargo hooks to carry under-slung loads. Its top speed is 315 km/h.
IAF variant has upgraded engines, composite rotor blades, a redesigned cockpit, modern avionics, advanced digital flight control system, and lower maintenance requirements. Max payload is 24,000 lb (10,886 kg) or 33–55 troops, and maximum range is 740 km. Its maximum flight altitude is 6,100 m. Aircraft has taken part in most major operations since the Vietnam war. The two IAF bases for the aircraft will be Chandigarh and Dinjan in the East.
Helicopters in Counter Insurgency Role
Helicopter’s versatility is a big asset for use in a counter-insurgency role. IAF’s helicopters are deployed in Op ‘Triveni’ against Maoist insurgency. Day and night ops include aerial surveillance, infiltration/exfiltration of ground forces, maintaining crucial operational supply line, ambulance operations and casualty evacuation. The helicopters are armed for self-defence and have clearance to fire in case the helicopter is attacked.
In J&K Indian Army uses helicopters for surveillance of possible infiltration points, while IAF supports quick reinforcements. Helicopters can be used to pursue militants and help ground forces to join up with them. They are often mounted with searchlights and thermal sensors for night pursuits. The slow-moving helicopter faces risk from ground fire, especially Man-Portable short-range ground-to-air missiles.
Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR)
The largest single non-combat helicopter operation in history was the disaster management operation following the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster involving airdrops. Use of helicopters to control wild-fires using heli-buckets is routine nowadays. The helicopter fleets are engaged round-the-year for HADR missions. In India, parts of J&K are cut-off every winter during heavy snow-fall. IAF sets up air-bridge to move stranded men and materials. Similarly, they are used during cyclones and floods.
Helicopters also rescue skiers during landslides. IAF’s role in the relatively inaccessible mountainous terrain, as was the case during Uttarakhand floods of 2013, or Sikkim earthquake was crucial and time-critical. IAF was the first to reach Nepal during the massive 2015 earthquake and helicopters went village-hopping pulling-out survivors. Helicopters crew are proud that invariably they are the ‘first to enter and the last to leave’.
Helicopters in Indian Sub-Continent
Attack helicopters in India have been operated by the IAF under combat tasking by IA. IAF has its own attack helicopter related tasks, such as interdiction, armed recce, radar bursting, CSAR, front-tier airfield attack etc. It has been decided that in due course IA will have its own attack helicopters. Indian armed forces have inducted the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) and its weaponised version ‘Rudra’. Over 240 ALH variants have been produced till date. These aircraft have NVG compatible cockpit.
IAF has a fleet of 240 Mil Mi-8, Mi-17, Mi-17 1V and Mi-17V 5 medium-lift utility helicopters. IAF currently has three Mil Mi-26 heavy-lift helicopters and are being replaced by the Chinook. The HAL Chetak and Cheetah are light utility helicopters operated by all the three services and Coast Guard. India awaits signing of Kamov Ka 226 T contract. 200 of which planned to be produced in India jointly by Kamov and HAL. Indian Navy operates the Kamov-31 for airborne early warning, Sea King, Ka-25, Ka-28 and Dhruv an anti-submarine role.
So are Westland Sea King and Sikorsky Sea King. Seventeen of the Sea King helicopters will be upgraded with night capability and integration of two anti-ship missiles and new radar. 16 Multi-role S-70B Seahawk helicopters have been selected to replace Westland Sea King. The defence ministry has approved the procurement of 10 Kamov Ka-31 Airborne Early Warning and Control helicopters for the Indian Navy at a cost of around Rs 3,600 crore.
They will be deployed on the aircraft carriers and other warships. US has approved the sale of 24 MH 60 Romeo Seahawk helicopters to India for $2.4 bn. India has been in need of these formidable anti-submarine hunter helicopters for more than a decade now.
China’s People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) operates Changhe Z-8, Z-9, and Z-11 which were supported by Eurocopter and are built under license. They also have medium-lift Z-18, Z-19, Z-20, Mi-8/Mi-17, and Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma helicopters.
WZ-10 and the smaller Z-19 attack helicopters are under advanced stage of development. Pakistan operates 45 Mi-17 helicopters, a few which has been transferred by China. They also have around 100 Aerospatiale Alouette III light helicopters, a few which have been assembled locally. Pakistan received the four Mi-35M heavy attack helicopters ordered from Russia in 2015. They are interested in 20 more.
IAF Helicopter Operations
IAF Mi-4 helicopters were used for heliborne operations in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War. Siachen Glacier is the highest battlefield in the world with posts at heights up to 23,000 feet. IAF’s Mi-8/17 and Cheetah helicopters airlifted hundreds of Indian troops to Siachen in 1984, and till date continue to support them.
In 1987, for ‘Operation Pawan’ of Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF) in Sri Lanka, about 70,000 sorties were flown by the IAF’s transport and helicopter force without a single aircraft lost or mission aborted. Mi-8s supported the ground forces and also provided air transportation to the Sri Lankan civil administration.
Mi-25s provided suppressive fire against militant strong points and to interdict coastal and clandestine riverine traffic. In the 1999 Kargil Conflict, IAF provided close air support using helicopters. While on an offensive sortie, a Mi-17 was shot down by three Stinger missiles and lost its entire crew of four. Helicopters thereafter were used only in operational logistics and communication missions. IAF has regularly contributed helicopters to UN Peacekeeping force.
Formidable Capability – Way Ahead
IAF and IA will soon have formidable attack helicopter capability and will use for SEAD/DEAD, Counter Air, Interdiction at varying depths inside enemy territory, Combat SAR, etc in furtherance of both air and ground battles. It would act as a tremendous force-multiplier at the point of decision when required.
Indigenous helicopters have taken reasonable shape but are held up due to delayed decision on weapons. Addition of the Chinook, Apache, the Rudra and MH 60 Romeo Seahawk helicopters will give a massive boost to the capability. Rotary wing fleet will continue to remain a very significant fleet both in war and peace.
Air Marshal Anil Chopra is a test pilot who commanded a Mirage 2000 Squadron and two operational airbases. He retired as Air Officer Personnel and has been a member of the Armed Forces Tribunal and Executive Council of JNU.
