<br/>The first Technology Demonstrator of indigenously designed & developed Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) lifted off smoothly during its maiden flight at Helicopter Complex in Bangalore on Tuesday. In the 20 minute flight the pilots carried out low speed, low altitude checks on the various systems on-board. The HAL release says that the performance of the Helicopter & systems was satisfactory. The LCH is a dedicated attack helicopter derived from the Advanced Light Helicopter and is fitted with Weapon Systems, Mission Systems and Crashworthy Wheel Landing Gear with in-built Stealth characteristics. The maiden flight of LCH marks the successful culmination of three years of design & development efforts by Rotary Wing Research & Design Centre of Helicopter Complex. A full fledged qualification test program would follow. This will lead to initial operation clearance by December 2011 and induction into Indian Armed Services. The release informs that the official inaugural flight of LCH is planned shortly. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Rolls-Royce also signed an MOU yesterday to create a manufacturing joint venture company in Bangalore. The new company will undertake the manufacture of compressor shroud rings. The new purpose-built production facility for this purpose will begin component production in 2012.<br/>