IAF Chinook Flies Non-Stop From Chandigarh To Jorhat
In September 2015, India had contracted for purchase of 22 Apache helicopters and 15 Chinook helicopters for around INR 22500 Crores from USA
The Chinook is a multi-role, heavy support helicopter that can transports troops, guns, equipment, fuel and carry out para drop, supply drop and casualty evacuation. Thus it can also play an important role in Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Operations. Rapid mobility will allows to employ this asset optimally as required.
To test its efficacy, the chopper flew 1,910 kilometres, from Chandigarh to Jorhat. This has not only tested the Chinook’s capabilities but also the IAF’s operational planning and execution.
The Indian Air Force’s Chinook helicopter established a record for the longest non-stop helicopter sortie on Monday, flying for seven and a half hours from Chandigarh to Jorhat in Assam, according to defence authorities, news agency PTI reported.
“An @IAF_MCC Chinook undertook the longest non-stop helicopter sortie in India, flying from Chandigarh to Jorhat (Assam). The 1910 kms route was completed in 7 hrs 30 min and made possible by the capabilities of Chinook along with operational planning and execution by @IAF_MCC,” a defence spokesperson tweeted.
According to a defence official, the helicopter’s fast mobility would allow the Indian Air Force to deploy it optimally as needed. It will become a Force multiplier in a two front war to deliver men and material rapidly to the given place. Ideally IAF should be able to dedicate one squadron of these helicopters to each of the Army Commands ie a total of six squadrons or 72 Chinooks. We have only 15 presently.
