Attack Helicopter Comparison : HAL LCH vs AW/TAI T-129 ATAK




Introduction:
We are comparing both the Helicopter due to following similarities :

  • Both helicopters belongs to the  category of Light Attack Helicopter.
  • Both aircrafts have  Twin-engine , Tandem-seat , all-weather Multi-role helicopters .
  • Both helicopters can carry a wide range of weapons including A2A ( Air-to-Air ), A2G (Air-to-Ground) missiles , rockets & a 20 mm gun .
  • HAL LCH is a  light helicopter design and developed by India’s PSU Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) while the T-129 ATAK is jointly developed by Italy’s MNC AgustaWestland and Turkey’s TAI . T-129’s design is Turish Variant of Italian AW A-129 helicopter.
  • HAL LCH’s first flight was conducted on 29 March 2010 by LCH TD-1 prototype while T129’s maiden flight took place on 28 September 2009 when T-129’s P1 prototype flew at AgustaWestland’s facilities in Vergiate, Italy.
  • HAL LCH has total order mainly for Indian Army & Indian Air Force ) while T-129 ATAK has  order  for Turkey &  Pakistan ) .
So lets begin the comparison with  various evaluation benchmarks !


Crew 
HAL LCH : 2 (tandem)
T-129 ATAK : 2 (tandem)
Unit Price 
HAL LCH :  150 crore INR appox.   ( Cheaper compared to T-129  )
T-129 ATAK :  200 crore INR
Empty weight 
HAL LCH  :  2,250 kg       ( Lighter )
T-129 ATAK : 2,350 kg
Max. takeoff weight 
HAL LCH  :  5,800 kg      ( Better )
T-129 ATAK : 5,065 kg
Useful Load Carrying Capacity :  ( Weapon Total Weight ) 
HAL LCH  : 3,550 kg      ( Better )
T-129 ATAK : 2,715 kg
ENGINES
HAL LCH  :   2 ×  Shakti 1.032 kW (1,384 shp) each   ( Slightly Better )
T-129 ATAK : 2 × CTS800-4A1,024 kW ( 1,373 shp ) each
Also-
HAL LCH uses indigenous Engine while T-129 uses American-British engine LHTEC CTS800-4N which gives the United States power to veto over any prospective export sales.

Maximum Speed 
HAL LCH  :  260-270 km / hr
T-129 ATAK : 270-280 km / hr     (Slightly Better)
Range 
HAL LCH  :  550 km       (Slightly Better)
T-129 ATAK : 530-540 km
Service ceiling 
HAL LCH  :  6,500 meters  ( Way much Better )
T-129 ATAK : 4,572 meters
Also–
HAL LCH has 2km of more service ceiling therefore it is very much operable in high altitude like LADAKH .
Endurance 
HAL LCH  :  190 mins       ( Slightly Good)
T-129 ATAK : 180 mins
Total No. of Hardpoints :
HAL LCH  :  4
T-129 ATAK : 4
Capacity to carry Air-to-Air & Air-to-Ground Missiles 
HAL LCH  :   Yes
T-129 ATAK : Yes
Main Gun 
HAL LCH  : 1 × 20 mm M-621 cannon  with total 800 rounds.
T-129 ATAK :  1× 20 mm M-197 cannon with total 500 rounds



CONCLUSION 
From the above comparison , It is clear that HAL LCH does has an edge over the T-129 ATAK in most of the specifications in its  present configurations , however upcoming  upgrades and variants can change the situation in favor of any of these two capable light attack helicopters .



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