HAL Lancer
HAL · India · first flew 1998 · helicopter
A light armed attack conversion of the HAL Cheetah, adapted for counter-insurgency and close support in mountainous terrain.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × turboshaft, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.92 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Armed Cheetah airframe with side weapon pods
- Armoured cockpit panels and gunsight
- Single turboshaft and skid undercarriage
A lightweight glazed-cabin helicopter like the Cheetah but with stub weapon pods carrying a gun and rockets on each side and a more armoured cockpit — its improvised gunship look sets it apart.
Specifications
- The HAL Lancer has a length of 12.92 m (42 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.02 m (36 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 210 km/h (130 mph).
- Typical crew: 2 (pilot and gunner).
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
In the 1990s HAL modified the Cheetah into the Lancer, adding armoured cockpit panels, a gunsight and side-mounted weapon pods to create a low-cost gunship. It retained the Cheetah's high-altitude performance while accepting reduced range and endurance from the added weight.
Variants
The Lancer is itself the armed variant within the Cheetah family, distinguished from the utility Cheetah and the re-engined Cheetal by its weapon fit and protection.
Where you'll see it
The Lancer served the Indian Army in small numbers for counter-insurgency work and has no UK equivalent in service, filling a niche that better-equipped forces cover with dedicated attack helicopters.
Related aircraft
- HAL HJT-36 Sitara
- HAL Dhruv
- HAL Light Combat Helicopter
- HAL Dornier 228
- Ka-60 Kasatka
- Sikorsky S-92
- Westland WAH-64D Apache
- Airbus H155 (EC155)
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