Question: Consider the following statements in reference to the New Light Combat Helicopter Production Hangar inaugurated recently and choose the correct option.
(1) The Light Combat Helicopter Production Hangar was inaugurated in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
(2) It was inaugurated by Rajnath Singh.
(3) The production hangar belongs to Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).
Correct option:
(a) 1 and 3
(b) 1 and 2
(c) 2 and 3
(d) All of the above
Answer: (b)
Related facts:
- Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the new Light Combat Helicopter Production Hangar at Helicopter Division in Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Complex at Bengaluru, Karnataka on February 27, 2020.
- India has made significant progress towards manufacturing military equipment indigenously under the Make in India initiative.
- The contribution of organizations like HAL – a Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) that has helped India to become the fifth largest economy in the world.
- There has been increase in defence exports that have crossed Rs 17,000 crore in the last two years. Rs 35,000 crore exports target set for the coming years in which HAL, through its various platforms, will contribute significantly in achieving this milestone.
- HAL for been the backbone of the Indian Air Force and meeting the requirements of the Armed Forces. HAL had a turnover of Rs 19,705 crore till March 2019 and it gave shareholders a healthy dividend of 198 per cent.
- As HAL is facing stiff competition from private defence industries, DPSU was advised to take this changing environment as a challenge and grab the opportunities to increase their competitiveness in the international market.
- The new production hangar will augment the (LCH) Light Combat Helicopter production capacity to reach a peak production of 30 helicopters per year.
- HAL apprised on the progress of new design and development programme of indigenous Indian Multi Role Helicopter (IMRH). The IMRH is proposed as replacement to the existing medium lift helicopters such as Mi17’s, Kamovs and Seakings which will phase out in the next eight to ten years.
Light Combat Helicopter:
- LCH is a 5.5-tonne class combat helicopter designed and developed by HAL.
- It is powered by two Shakti engines and inherits many technical features of the Advanced Light Helicopter. LCH has the distinction of being the first attach helicopter to land in Forward Bases at Siachen, 4,700 mts above sea level with 500kg load.