New Delhi: The Chinook helicopter of the Indian Air Force on Monday set the record for the longest non-stop helicopter flight from Chandigarh to Jorhat in Assam for a flight of seven and a half hours, news agency PTI reported.
The helicopter flew 1,910 km, which he attributed to the Chinook’s capabilities as well as the operational planning and execution of the IAF.
“An @IAF_MCC Chinook took off from Chandigarh to Jorhat (Assam) in the longest non-stop helicopter flight in India. The 1910 km route was completed in 7 hrs 30 mins and operationalized with the capabilities of the Chinook Planning & execution made possible by @IAF_MCC,” tweeted a defense spokesperson.
One @IAF_MCC Chinook flew the longest non-stop helicopter flight in India, flying from Chandigarh to Jorhat (Assam). The 1910 kilometer route was completed in 7 hours 30 minutes and was made possible by the Chinook’s capabilities as well as operational planning and execution. @IAF_MCC, pic.twitter.com/n2aSZ3tRp4
— PRO Defense Palam (@DefencePROPalam) 11 April 2022
The Chinook is a multi-role, vertical-lift vehicle that transports troops, guns, equipment, and fuel.
It is also used in humanitarian and disaster relief operations, as well as in relief supplies transport and mass refugee evacuation.
According to a defense official, the faster maneuverability of the helicopter will allow the Indian Air Force to better deploy it as needed.
The official said, “Chinook is a multi-role, vertical lift platform, which is used for transporting men and material. It also plays a vital role in humanitarian and disaster relief operations. Rapid mobility @IAF_MCC has to be given this asset. will allow them to be better employed as required.” Another tweet.
In September 2015, India finalized a contract with the United States to purchase 22 Apache helicopters and 15 Chinook helicopters for approximately USD 3 billion.
(with PTI inputs)