The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Monday inducted the first four CH-47F (I) Chinook helicopters capable of transporting artillery guns and combat-ready troops to forward and high-altitude areas.
These iconic machines, with their unmistakable twin tandem rotors, can carry out military operations not only during the day but at night too.
The first of the became part of the IAF’s 126 Helicopter Flight squadron at an official ceremony in Chandigarh presided over by IAF chief B.S. Dhanoa.
The cockpit is completely integrated digitally, allowing the pilot to get a cruise speed of 291 km/hour, with a maximum speed of 302 km/hour. The helicopter is fueled by a fuel capacity of 20,411 kg, with 36,700 kg of maximum gross take off capacity. The chopper will have a mission radius, that is the space around the Chinook Ch-47F (I), is 370.4 km while having a service ceiling of 20,000 feet, that is the specified rate of climb the helicopter can have.
India is also expecting an entire fleet of 15 Chinooks to arrive by this time next year. This fleet will be the second unit and will be based in Assam.
The acquisition not only boosts India’s defence preparedness through the swift deployment of men and machines, but also places the India-US defence partnership on a firmer footing.
Congratulations to @IAF_MCC on induction of#Chinook.
The proven warhorse will strengthen the ground forces in tactical and support operations with its speed and reliability.
More power to our #AirWarriors pic.twitter.com/gAfM5gD4yI— 🇮🇳CRPF🇮🇳 (@crpfindia) March 28, 2019
A considerable part of chopper’s aero-structure was manufactured in India. Parts like the ramps and pylon were also built by Indian suppliers.
India had signed a contract for 15 Boeing Chinooks in September 2015, at an estimated cost over RS 8,000 crore.
Chinook, already 50 years old, will be over 100 when it retires in 2060s. The first Chinook flew in 1962 and serves armed forces of 19 countries.
