JOIN USIAF inducts first four Chinook helicopters
Global aerospace major, Boeing on Monday handed over the first four CH-47F(I) Chinooks to the Indian Air Force (IAF) at an induction ceremony at the Air Force Station, Chandigarh.
The ceremony was attended by the Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa, Chief of Air Staff, senior IAF officers and Boeing officials.
The CH-47F(I) Chinooks arrived at the Mundra Port in Gujarat in February this year. “The induction of the CH-47F(I) Chinooks is an asset to the IAF's airlift capabilities,” said Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa. “This modern, multi-mission-capable, heavy-lift transport helicopter will enhance our heli-lift capability across all types of terrain to full effect.”
The CH-47F(I) Chinook for the IAF had completed successful first-flights in July 2018. The first batch of IAF crew began their training to fly the Chinook in the US in October 2018.
The Defence Ministry had finalised its order with Boeing for production, training and support of 15 CH-47F(I) Chinook helicopters in September 2015. The other CH-47F(I) will continue to be delivered as per schedule, according to Boeing.
The CH-47F is an advanced multi-mission helicopter initially built for the US Army. The helicopter has a fully integrated, digital cockpit management system, Common Aviation Architecture and advanced cargo-handling capabilities that enhance the aircraft's mission performance and handling characteristics.
Currently, the Chinooks are used by the US Army, US Army Reserve, National Guard and by the armed forces of more than 19 countries, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Japan, Italy, Greece, Spain, South Korea, Australia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).